Drought in Iran
Shadegan, Miankaleh, Bamdezh, Maharloo, and Shur have been severely affected by drought. Likewise, many rivers—including the Sefidrud and the Zayandehrud in Gilan and Isfahan provinces—have dried up or are on the verge of drying up.
Lake Urmia has also lost more than 70% of its water volume.
The reason for this situation is not only climate change and rising temperatures, but also mismanagement of water resources and unsustainable environmental policies: excessive dam construction, illegal water transfer projects, excessive groundwater extraction, and expansion of unsustainable agriculture have led to irreparable damage. Political and managerial considerations have worsened the crisis, accelerating the destruction of wetlands, rivers, and groundwater reserves.
The Situation of Dams in Iran
- Zayandehrud Dam (Isfahan): About 40% empty; water supply to Isfahan under serious threat.
- Doroudzan Dam (Fars): About 50% empty; water supply to Shiraz at serious risk.
- Karaj Dam (Alborz): Less than 35% full; severe decline compared to previous years.
- Latian Dam (Tehran): About 30% full; water resources of Tehran at risk.
- Lar Dam (Tehran): About 35% full; decline in Tehran’s drinking water supply.
- Saveh Dam (Markazi): About 25% full; decline in agricultural output.
- Golpayegan Dam (Markazi): About 25% full; on the verge of complete drying.
- Karkheh Dam (Khuzestan): About 35% full; water shortage crisis for farmers.
- Dez Dam (Khuzestan): About 40% full; decline in agricultural output in the region.
- Shahid Rajaee Dam (Mazandaran): About 35% full; agricultural water crisis.
- Bostan and Bujar Dam (Hormozgan): About 30% full; serious threat to drinking water.
Access to safe water is a fundamental human right, and drought and mismanagement of water resources threaten both the environment and human rights. Protecting and sustainably managing water resources is a national responsibility.
Most Important Solutions to Escape Water Bankruptcy
Reform agricultural patterns and irrigation methods.
Restrict flood irrigation in agriculture (flood-based or under-pressure).
Prevent and treat urban and industrial wastewater.
Reuse treated wastewater.
Address climate change impacts and deal with abnormal climate events.
Increase public awareness about proper water consumption and environmental protection.
Reform the system of water distribution and strengthen environmental NGOs.
Cooperate with neighboring countries to manage shared water resources.
International Laws and Treaties
- Ramsar Convention (Protection of Wetlands)
- United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
- United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
- Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
- Non-Navigational International Watercourses Convention
- UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Defense of Human Rights Association in Iran
Defense of Environment Committee
Translated by Alireza Jahan Bin
