The Water Crisis in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region: A Dire Situation
In the capital of Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan region, the taps have run dry, and the wells are almost empty. The lack of water has left residents like 80-year-old Babir in a desperate situation, relying on trucked-in water deliveries for their basic needs. This water crisis is not new to the region, as years of drought, a lack of wells, and power outages have left the population cut off from their primary water source.
The reliance on groundwater as the main water source has made the situation even more dire for the residents of Irbil and its suburbs. During the summer months, when the drought is at its peak and power outages halt the pumps, the supply of water becomes even scarcer. This has forced the residents to depend on trucked-in water for bathing, cooking, washing, and watering plants. Babir, for example, stated that they can only bathe once every fortnight.
The severity of the water crisis has led residents to take to the streets multiple times, demanding solutions from the authorities. However, their appeals have fallen on deaf ears, leaving them feeling hopeless and considering drastic measures like moving to areas with a more reliable water supply.
The water crisis in Iraq is not solely due to drought but also the construction of dams upstream in neighboring Turkey and Iran. The once mighty Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which Iraq is known for, have seen a significant decrease in water levels. The United Nations classifies Iraq as one of the countries most impacted by the effects of climate change.
To address the crisis, local authorities in Irbil have allocated 1.5 billion Iraqi dinars ($1.1 million) to dig new wells and provide power through generators and the electricity grid. The governor of Irbil, Omed Khoshnaw, has acknowledged that more than 25 percent of wells have dried up this year and emphasized the need to rely less on groundwater.
One of the major challenges faced by the city is power outages, which heavily impact the pumps for wells in residential areas. However, efforts are being made to provide an uninterrupted electricity supply to most of the wells. Officials are also working to improve the Ifraz water station, which draws water from the upper Zab River, to alleviate the crisis.
In the Darto district, where Babir resides, aid organizations are providing trucked-in water to the residents. While this brings temporary relief, it is not a long-term solution. Surur Mohamad, a resident of the district, stated that for anything more than basic clothes washing, he has to go to a nearby village with a steady water supply. The overcrowding in the region and poor pipe infrastructure have further exacerbated the water problem.
Residents like Mahya Najm are feeling the impact of the water crisis on their daily lives. The lack of water has not only affected their ability to wash and cook but has also prevented them from receiving guests. The dire need for water has left them feeling hopeless and desperate for a solution.
The government must find radical solutions to address the water crisis in Iraq’s Kurdistan region. Relying solely on wells is no longer viable, especially considering the ongoing drought. The construction of new wells, improvement of infrastructure, and finding alternative water sources are crucial steps to ensure a sustainable water supply for the residents. Without immediate action, the water crisis will continue to worsen, leaving the population in a dire and unsustainable situation.