Iraq's Stored Water Levels Rise from 5 Billion to 34 Billion Cubic Meters, Minister Says

Shanya Salar 1 hour ago
The Tigris river is pictured in central Baghdad on May 4, 2026. The Tigris' water levels have risen due to the rains and floods that have swept across Iraq this winter after years of drought caused by low rainfall. Iraq's water ministry said the reservoirs along the river are almost full, adding that it expects water levels in the Euphrates to rise in the coming days if Syria releases water from its dams. (Photo by AHMAD AL-RUBAYE / AFP)
The Tigris river is pictured in central Baghdad on May 4, 2026. The Tigris' water levels have risen due to the rains and floods that have swept across Iraq this winter after years of drought caused by low rainfall. Iraq's water ministry said the reservoirs along the river are almost full, adding that it expects water levels in the Euphrates to rise in the coming days if Syria releases water from its dams. (Photo by AHMAD AL-RUBAYE / AFP)

Iraq's stored water reserves have increased significantly following the rainy season, rising from their lowest level in modern history to 34 billion cubic meters, according to Iraqi Minister of Water Resources Muthanna al-Tamimi.

While describing the increase as a positive development, the minister stressed that water resources remain well below previous levels and warned against waste to ensure the success of future agricultural seasons.

Stored Water Levels Increase After Historic Low

Muthanna al-Tamimi, Iraq's Minister of Water Resources, announced that the country's stored water reserves have reached 34 billion cubic meters.

He said Iraq's water reserves had fallen to just 5 billion cubic meters in late 2025 and early 2026, marking the lowest level recorded since 1933. According to the minister, the recent rainy season has significantly increased the country's available water, bringing total reserves to 34 billion cubic meters.

Current Reserves Remain Below Previous Years

Despite the recent increase, al-Tamimi said Iraq's current water reserves remain well below previous levels.

He noted that in 2021, Iraq's stored water reached 60 billion cubic meters, meaning the current volume is still less than half of what was available that year. The minister emphasized that the available reserves must be carefully conserved to ensure the success of the country's agricultural season.

Plan for Fair Distribution of Water

The Minister of Water Resources said the ministry is working in coordination with local provincial administrations to oversee the implementation of Iraq's agricultural plan.

Al-Tamimi stressed the importance of adhering to the approved water allocation quotas for each province to ensure that water reaches all areas fairly and to prevent logistical obstacles during the irrigation season.

Coordination With the Ministry of Agriculture

Regarding the agricultural plan, al-Tamimi said the Ministry of Water Resources is coordinating its efforts with the Ministry of Agriculture.

At the same time, he called on farmers to comply with water management regulations, avoid wasting water, and adopt modern irrigation methods and technologies to make the most efficient use of the country's currently available water resources.

Shanya Salar

1 hour ago

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