Iraq Faces Water Scarcity Amid Climate Challenges

Iraq is currently experiencing a “phase of water scarcity,” according to Torhan al-Mufti, the Iraqi prime minister’s advisor on water affairs, Rudaw reported. He attributes this situation to severe climate conditions, unregulated groundwater management, and heavy reliance on neighboring countries for water inflows. While Iraq has not yet entered a drought, it remains one of the 15 most climate-affected nations globally.

The majority of Iraq’s water comes from the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, with 75% sourced from Iran and Turkey. Recent agreements have improved water inflows, particularly from Turkey, although they remain insufficient for Iraq’s needs. The country requires between 50 to 90 billion cubic meters of water annually to maintain a stable balance.

Mufti highlighted the challenges posed by unregulated groundwater extraction, leading to the closure of around 150 wells in southern Iraq. The United Nations has ranked Iraq as the fifth most vulnerable country to reduced water availability and extreme temperatures.