Severe water shortages in Tehran as rainfall plummets by 23%
As Iran faces a significant reduction in rainfall, with a noted 23% drop nationwide and only 20% capacity in Tehran’s reservoirs, officials are urging immediate water management reforms to avert further crises.
In a stark warning about the state of water resources in Iran, Isa Bozorgzadeh, spokesperson for the Water Industry, announced that rainfall has decreased by approximately 23% since the current water year began on September 22, 2023.
He emphasized that Tehran’s reservoirs are only 20% full, with the capital receiving just 48 millimeters of precipitation so far, falling short of the normal 58 millimeters by 17%.
During a televised report, Bozorgzadeh stated, “We are experiencing a dry autumn,” and emphasized that the current national rainfall stands at about 35 millimeters, which is significantly lower than typical averages for this time of year.
He further explained that Iran’s average water resources are about one-third of the global average, which presents unique challenges for the country, particularly in urban areas like Tehran that also depend on surrounding regions for their water supply.
The spokesperson provided a broader overview of the national water situation, noting that this year’s reservoirs have received 3.70 billion cubic meters of water, a 2% decrease from the same period last year.
He pointed out that the total water volume in the country’s reservoirs currently stands at 22.66 billion cubic meters, reflecting a 12% improvement compared to last year’s figures.
In Tehran specifically, the five main reservoirs collectively hold around 373 million cubic meters of water, with individual capacities reported as follows: The Amir Kabir Dam holds 63 million cubic meters (35% full), the Latiyan Dam holds 25 million cubic meters (34% full), the Lar Dam has 24 million cubic meters (3% full), the Taleqan Dam contains 239 million cubic meters (54% full), and the Mamlou Dam has 34 million cubic meters (14% full).
Bozorgzadeh stressed the urgent need for improved water consumption management, stating, “We are facing a water crisis in Tehran... If we do not manage our consumption, we could harm public welfare.”
He reiterated the importance of reducing groundwater extraction to prevent further degradation of water sources, warning that unchecked usage could lead to increased desertification and land subsidence.
In alignment with these challenges, Bozorgzadeh outlined the Ministry of Energy’s plans to reform water governance through institutional changes and enhanced community participation.
He stated, “We must reduce the role of government in water management,” advocating for a shift towards empowering local water organizations and the private sector.
Moreover, Mohsen Ardakani, managing director of Tehran Water and Wastewater Company, echoed these concerns at a conference evaluating the performance of water-related companies in the region.
He noted the unprecedented drought conditions over the past five years and highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts among staff to navigate the ongoing water crisis.