Tehran Water Crisis Worsens Amid Sharp Decline in Rainfall

Tehran: Iran is grappling with an escalating water shortage that threatens major urban centers, including the capital, President Masoud Pezeshkian warned on Sunday. The crisis, fueled by a severe drought and shrinking dam reserves, has prompted emergency measures to safeguard supplies.

During a meeting with senior media executives in Tehran, Pezeshkian said authorities are working non-stop to channel water from the Taleqan Dam to the capital in hopes of easing shortages this autumn. Yet, he admitted uncertainty over its effectiveness, citing a 45 per cent drop in provincial rainfall compared to last year.

Official figures paint a grim picture: Iran’s dams are operating at just 42 per cent of capacity, with water inflows since September 22, 2024, totaling only 23.56 billion cubic meters — down sharply from 40.55 bcm during the same period the previous year.

Tehran Water and Wastewater Company officials have warned the capital’s reserves could run out by late September unless consumption is curbed. The government has responded with reduced working hours and temporary office closures in affected areas, while longer-term strategies to combat the drought are still under consideration.