Iran cuts dam discharge 19% below average to conserve water reserves
Iran slashed dam water discharge by 19% below the 10-year average through April 19, implementing conservative release strategies as reservoirs reached 59% capacity despite improved inflows, according to the latest weekly water index.
Total outflow dropped to 17.12 billion cubic meters (bcm), representing a 6% year-on-year decline and a 19% shortfall against the long-term mean. The reduction signals heightened caution in water management as authorities brace for peak demand seasons, IRNA reported.
Storage levels climbed to 30.55 bcm, marking a 14% recovery from last year but remaining 7% below the decade average. Total inflow surged 53% to 27.98 bcm compared to the previous year, though volumes matched rather than exceeded the 10-year benchmark of 28.09 bcm.
The weekly index noted the "cautious approach" to releases aims to preserve supplies amid fluctuating precipitation patterns. The data covers the water year beginning late September.
While the inflow improvement provides temporary relief, the persistent storage deficit show ongoing water stress challenges. Officials continue monitoring hydrological conditions as agricultural and municipal demand intensifies in coming months.