Iran Faces Severe Water Crisis Amid Drought Warnings

Mon Nov 10 2025 01:50:17 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Tehran grapples with an unprecedented drought as water supplies diminish and officials warn of potential rationing measures amidst widespread criticism.

Iran is currently experiencing its worst drought in decades, particularly impacting its capital, Tehran. With rainfall at record lows, officials are urging citizens to conserve water, even as government leaders warn that rationing may be necessary. Criticisms of evacuation plans arise amidst a cry for help from citizens who face daily struggles for water. With dam levels plummeting and bleak forecasts ahead, the country confronts a crisis that has been building for years.

Iran Faces Severe Water Crisis Amid Drought Warnings

Iran - and particularly its capital, Tehran - is facing an unprecedented drought this autumn, with rainfall at record lows and reservoirs nearly empty. Officials are pleading with citizens to conserve water as the crisis deepens.

President Masoud Pezeshkian has warned that if rainfall does not come soon, Tehran's water supply could be rationed. Furthermore, he indicated that even rationing might not be enough to stave off disaster. His comments have drawn sharp criticism, with former Tehran mayor Gholamhossein Karbaschi describing the notion of evacuating the city as 'a joke.'

As the situation worsens, Iran's meteorological officials predict no rainfall for the next 10 days, leading to severe implications for daily life in the capital. Individuals like one Tehran resident are already planning alternative water sources due to scarcity, while others have resorted to buying bottled water for basic needs.

Dams Nearly Empty

Local officials share grim assessments of Tehran's major water sources, such as the Latian Dam, which now holds less than 10% of its capacity. Meanwhile, the water levels of the nearby Karaj Dam are in a similarly dire condition, significantly impacting both Tehran and Alborz provinces.

There has reportedly been a 92% decrease in rainfall compared to last year, leaving essential reservoirs nearly depleted. 'I have never seen this dam so empty since I was born,' lamented an elderly resident.

Fears of Water Cuts

The government is placing hope on late autumn rains, yet warnings of potential water supply cuts loom large. Iran's Minister of Energy has stated that some nights might see a complete cessation of water flow, alongside plans to penalize high consumption.

Pipes, War Damage - and a Widening Crisis

The water crisis is further compounded by outdated infrastructure, with significant water leakage rates exacerbating the situation. The ramifications of the recent 12-day conflict with Israel are also being cited as factors for the worsening water conditions.

Beyond Tehran, other cities like Mashhad face alarming drought conditions. With dam levels shrinking to dangerously low percentages, officials outline a growing 'mega-challenge of drought' ahead.

A Crisis Long Foreseen

This acute water crisis has been decades in the making, with the Iranian Supreme Leader acknowledging the risks for years yet with no substantial changes made. As cities like Tehran, Karaj, and Mashhad, home to over 16 million, face impending threats of water scarcity, the urgency of effective solutions remains clear.