Water Supply in Kurdistan Region Unchanged Despite Drought

SULAYMANIYAH — Despite widespread drought and sharply reduced rainfall across the Kurdistan Region, water officials say the current distribution program remains unchanged, with supply continuing on its regular neighborhood schedule. Authorities urged residents to conserve water as the region faces growing pressure on its resources.

Ari Ahmad, general director of water and sewage in the Kurdistan Region, told 964media that despite the challenges raised by recent reports of dry conditions, the water supply system will operate as usual. “The water distribution program this year in the Kurdistan Region has not changed and will be delivered according to the same neighborhood schedule as in previous years,” he said.

This year, the Kurdistan Region, like much of Iraq, has faced a severe shortfall in rainfall, leading to the drying up of many streams and placing further strain on water resources. As of May 5, 2025, the General Directorate of Meteorology in Erbil reported only 156.2 millimeters of rainfall — a sharp decline from 584.8 millimeters during the same period last year. Sulaymaniyah recorded 350 millimeters by the same date, compared to 671 millimeters last year, marking another clear decrease. In Duhok, data obtained by 964media from the Directorate of Agriculture show rainfall dropped from 624.4 millimeters last year to just 142 millimeters this year, a dramatic reduction that has already had serious effects on local agriculture.

He noted that while authorities might consider adjusting the quantity of water provided at certain times, there is no overall disruption in supply. “We might only revise the volume of water distributed to citizens,” he said.

Ahmad also urged the public to use water responsibly. “People must conserve and avoid wasting water. They should be mindful and manage their usage,” he said.

Amanj Jalal, spokesperson for the Sulaimani Water Directorate, confirmed the same approach. “So far, there has been no change to the water distribution program,” he said. “We call on residents to use only what they need to help protect public water resources.”

The Kurdistan Region relies heavily on rivers and groundwater wells to supply drinking water to households. This dependence makes the region vulnerable to fluctuations in rainfall, which directly impact water availability. Erbil, the capital, has faced persistent water shortages in recent years, even during periods of adequate rainfall. To address this, the Kurdistan Regional Government initiated the Erbil water supply  project, aiming to provide a sustainable solution to the city’s water needs. The project, drawing water from the Greater Zab River, is expected to be completed by the end of this year and will significantly enhance Erbil’s water infrastructure.