Copy in clipboard...
Gov’t rejects nationwide closures over economic fallout amid water scarcity
He argued that “shutting down operations is wiping away the problem, not solving the water shortage.”
The president stressed the importance of joint consultations and raising public awareness to “weather the crisis.”
“By engaging all sectors, including the public, water consumption can be managed,” he added. The proposal was triggered by critically low rainfall, which officials say is more than 40% below Iran’s 80-year average, significantly impacting dam reserves across the country. Last week, Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi warned that inflows to Tehran’s dams had halved, and one key reservoir was expected to run dry and go offline within a month. Despite rejecting a national measure, the government had earlier ordered a localized closure of banks public offices in Tehran last week in a bid to curb water usage.
According to Vice President Alireza Rafieezadeh, that decision helped cut consumption and proved to be an “effective tool” in emergency situations.
Rafieezadeh noted that “office closures can be placed on the table as a supportive measure” when faced with “critical and emergency conditions.”
Meanwhile, Tehran’s Water and Wastewater Company has implemented pressure reduction strategies in urban pipelines and warned that “the current water reserves in the capital’s dams are at their lowest level in a century.” Citizens have been urged to cut water consumption by at least 20%. In some provinces, water rationing programs have been introduced, cutting off residential supply at scheduled intervals.
Pezeshkian called for full transparency, saying “consumers must clearly understand that if consumption continues at the current rate, we will face a serious crisis.”