Iraq Faces Water Shortages as Reservoirs Reach 8% Capacity

Iraq Faces Water Shortages as Reservoirs Reach 8% Capacity
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Iraq’s water reserves currently stand at just 8% of total capacity, the Ministry of Water Resources reported Monday, highlighting growing challenges amid climate change and reliance on upstream countries for water supplies.

The ministry’s director noted that Iraq, as a downstream country, depends heavily on releases from neighboring states, making water security particularly vulnerable. The government has developed a plan to allocate water equitably across provinces, prioritizing irrigation projects, drinking water, and agricultural needs during the summer months.

Authorities are also enforcing strict measures within provinces to prevent illegal water usage, regulate river and canal distribution, and ensure fair access for farmers. The ministry emphasized that desalination and storage projects are central to current efforts.

Officials expressed hope that Turkey would increase water releases to help replenish Iraqi reserves, while noting that addressing water challenges requires both internal management and diplomatic negotiations with upstream nations to secure Iraq’s legal water share.