Water scarcity has become one of Iran’s main crises. Due to declining rainfall in recent years and mismanagement of water resources, it is predicted that the upcoming summer will pose even more serious challenges in this regard.
Climate change, overexploitation of groundwater resources, and the lack of sustainable planning are among the key factors exacerbating this crisis.
Water consumption naturally increases in the summer. This, combined with declining reservoir levels and the erosion of groundwater tables, puts additional pressure on the limited water resources.
Reservoir water levels in Iran have drastically declined. If reduced rainfall is not compensated by the end of winter, the water supply crisis will worsen. Reports indicate that as of January 12, six dams in the country are holding less than 10% of their capacity.
The volume of water in reservoirs has been reported at only 44% of capacity. Inefficient management of energy resources in Iran has caused numerous problems. Power shortages in the summer have become a perennial issue. This time, experts are warning of water shortages and a challenging summer ahead.
Water Crisis and Air Pollution in Iran: Mismanagement and Environmental Consequences
Abbas Aliabadi, the Minister of Energy, has described the potential power and water shortages in the upcoming summer as a major problem. He stated that he prays such a crisis does not occur.
The spokesperson for the water industry also reported in early January a 33% decrease in rainfall since September 2024. He emphasized that solving the water crisis has become even more challenging than addressing the electricity problem.
Statistics show that apart from three provinces, other regions of the country are experiencing reduced rainfall. This situation has also affected major cities, including Tehran.
The average fill level of dams around Tehran is reported to be only 19%. Water resources behind dams are expected to be stored for the summer during winter. However, Iran’s dams currently hold less than half of their capacity.
Dam outflows have increased by 4%. The reduction in dam reserves is attributed to decreased inflow and poor management. Some government insiders also claim that the previous administration depleted dam reserves.
With the start of Masoud Pezeshkian’s administration, some of his associates stated that the previous administration of Ebrahim Raisi (the former president of the regime who died in a helicopter crash) had increased hydroelectric production. This action by the previous government left the new cabinet facing an 8,000-megawatt deficit in hydroelectric energy.
Water Outages, Drought, and Dust Storms Await Iranian Citizens
Increased consumption of water resources and excessive exploitation of groundwater reserves have intensified land subsidence. Several of Iran’s main dams used to generate 10 to 13 percent of the country’s electricity annually.
However, efforts to compensate for power shortages in the spring led to the depletion of significant volumes of dam water. This action was taken in the hope of abundant rainfall, which did not materialize, resulting in reduced water reserves.
Now, with only two months left until the dry season, there is insufficient time to replenish water shortages. Past rainfall models indicate that only two or three strong rainfalls will occur during this period.
If rainfall remains below consumption levels, Iran will face a gradual drought. Continuing this trend will result in persistent drought, water shortages, and serious agricultural problems.
Water consumption rises during the warmer months, and evaporation will further exacerbate the crisis. Additionally, electricity consumption will increase, placing further strain on dams.
Iran endured a tough winter, but the upcoming summer will be even more challenging. In winter, heat production is supported by gas, whereas summer requires more electricity. Increased energy consumption during summer will aggravate the existing imbalances.
Approximately 85 to 90 percent of Iran’s water consumption is allocated to agriculture. Water shortages in the summer will impact agricultural production and the prices of goods. Experts believe the upcoming summer will be particularly challenging for Iran in terms of energy and water supply.
