The Ministry of Water Resources reported an increase in the storage levels of Haditha Dam compared to last year, alongside improvements in the water levels of the Euphrates River relative to the Tigris. The ministry also announced the preparation of an integrated program to maintain the country’s marshes.

Previously, the ministry had warned of a particularly harsh drought season, driven by reduced snowfall and rainfall, as well as a significant drop in water shares from neighboring countries due to the El Nino phenomenon impacting the region.

Ghazwan Abdul Amir Al-Sahlani, Deputy Director of the General Authority for Irrigation and Drainage Projects, explained that the storage at Haditha Dam in Anbar Governorate had increased, as the water inflow surpasses the release into the Euphrates River. He also noted that the Mosul Dam is releasing more water than it receives from the Tigris River, indicating a substantial decline in its water levels.

Regarding the water quotas for the marshes, Al-Sahlani confirmed an improvement over last year, with the water level now at 94 centimeters, up from 70 centimeters during the same period in 2024. Efforts are underway to continue reinforcing these marshes, especially Al-Hawizeh Marsh, by providing additional water quotas, enforcing rationing systems, and removing violations.

Recommended

Ministry of Water Resources Launches Program to Address Water Scarcity and Preserve Iraq’s MarshesAl-Alawi: Tourism Capital Projects to Transform Baghdad into a “Global Destination”Nineveh Begins Transformation of Bash Tapia Castle into a Heritage Park

In response to water scarcity, particularly as the summer season approaches, the Ministry has developed an integrated program to ensure the marshes’ survival. Minister Aoun Diab Abdul Allah highlighted the installation of a major pumping station with 11 secondary pumps in Dhi Qar Governorate, designed to provide a steady water supply of 17 to 20 cubic meters per second. The program also involves filling encroaching fish lakes and removing unauthorized agricultural pumps.

Additionally, the ministry plans to enhance water distribution to the Euphrates River and the central marshes in Al-Jabaish and Al-Hammar districts, which are major tourist attractions visited by thousands annually. Measures also include revitalizing Lake Razzaza in Karbala Governorate by channeling sewage water to reduce its negative effects and investing in its development with plans to build restaurants and tourist accommodations.

Abdullah further revealed ongoing cooperation with the French Center for the Revival of Marshes and Wetlands to improve the marshes’ sustainability and reduce pollution. Collaboration with Serbia is also in progress to address water storage, infrastructure improvements, and the challenges posed by climate change and water scarcity.