The latest data from Iran’s Water Resources Management Company shows that twelve major dams that supply drinking and agricultural water currently hold less than 10% of their capacity. According to these statistics, Lar Dam is at less than 5%, Latian Dam at 16%, Doosti Dam in Khorasan Razavi at 5%, and Sefidrud Dam in Gilan province at 4%.
The state-run ISNA news agency, citing these figures on Sunday, August 17, reported that water reserves in Shamil and Niyan dams in Hormozgan province, Rudbal Dam in Darab (Fars province), as well as Voshmgir and Boustan dams in Golestan province, have completely dried up.
A New Wave of Protests Over Water and Power Shortages from Nishapur to Amol and Anar
The data shows that from the beginning of the current water year (September 23, 2024) until August 16, inflows into all reservoirs across Iran totaled 23.81 billion cubic meters—representing a 42% decrease compared to last year.
Iranian media had earlier reported that as of August 9, the water volume in reservoirs was at 42% of capacity.
Water levels behind Amir Kabir Dam (Karaj), Lar Dam, and Latian Dam have dropped to their lowest levels in modern history. This situation is no longer described as a “crisis” but rather as a “water failure state,” with part of the damage deemed irreversible.
Frequent and widespread water and power outages in recent months have disrupted daily life across different parts of Iran.
For example, Tasnim News Agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), reported on August 16 that the city of Baneh is facing severe water shortages, with water supplies being cut for eight to ten hours daily.
According to Tasnim, this issue is the result of several factors, including climate conditions, reduced rainfall, ongoing droughts, and the pressure caused by population growth and tourism in the area.
Meanwhile, a three- to seven-fold increase in electricity bills in recent days, coupled with a lack of transparency about the details, has triggered protests from consumers. Mismanagement of water resources, diversion of water to regime-linked industries and agriculture, and lack of investment in the water sector are among the main causes of the shortage—making the Iranian regime fully responsible for this situation.
