Rationing looms as Iran’s water reserves dwindle

The capital Tehran’s water supply is particularly strained, with reservoirs at their lowest levels in years.

“The situation at key dams is concerning,” said Mohammad Javanbakht, deputy energy minister and head of Iran’s water resources management company.

“With a 47 percent drop in rainfall in Tehran province, the Lar, Latian, Mamloo, and Karaj dams, which supply much of the city’s drinking water, have seen significant declines," he added.

In recent weeks, images and videos of receding water levels at Tehran’s reservoirs have circulated widely, fueling public concern over worsening shortages.

In a report on the state of stored water behind dams, the Ham-Mihan newspaper wrote on Sunday: "The situation of the country's dams is so critical that water shortages and rationing will occur earlier than summer, and the state of Tehran's water resources has reached a crisis level unprecedented in recent years."

On Friday, Tehran’s water and wastewater company, Abfa, announced that water consumption had spiked 20 percent, reaching a record 48,000 liters per second. Officials attributed the surge to Iranian New Year preparations.

According to Abfa, rainfall since the start of the current water year has been the lowest in 57 years. “Without additional rainfall, current reserves should meet demand for at least the next three months,” it said.

The energy crisis, marked by widespread electricity shortages and gas deficits, has also disrupted industries across the country. Ageing infrastructure, international sanctions, and poor management have compounded the problem, leading to the shutdown of approximately 80 power plants and closure of businesses.

During the winter, Iran faces a daily shortfall of at least 260 million cubic meters of gas, further straining the electricity supply.

Iran has vast oil and gas reserves, much of which it cannot tap due to US-led sanctions which stall investment and technology improvement.