Najaf Sea receives 500,000 cubic meters of water after rain

NAJAF – The Najaf Sea has received about 500,000 cubic meters of water over the past two days following recent rainfall, reinforcing the lake’s reserves and easing concerns about near-term shortages, according to local water and environment officials.

Najaf Water Resources Director Shakir Al-Atwi told 964media that districts captured nearly 500,000 cubic meters of runoff during the latest storms and directed all of it to the Najaf Sea. He said crews are working to secure inlets and divert additional stormwater from surrounding areas into the lake.

“During the recent rainfall, districts stored nearly 500,000 cubic meters of water, all directed to the Najaf Sea,” Al-Atwi told 964media. He added that ongoing work includes securing water inlets and redirecting additional runoff from surrounding areas to the lake.

Al-Atwi said the current rainy season has been “relatively limited,” but he noted that existing reserves are sufficient for now and could improve if forecasts for more rain through late December and January hold. “This may help the lake gradually return to its usual state,” he said.

Najaf Environment Director Jamal Abd Zaid said the recent storms have already brought rainfall above seasonal averages and are expected to benefit the wider water system in the governorate. “Increased rainfall directly improves surface water levels, especially in the Najaf Sea, which suffered near-total drying last season due to a lack of inflow,” he said.

Abd Zaid said stabilizing water levels would help the lake sustain its environmental role through the coming dry season and beyond, particularly as a habitat for local and migratory birds. He urged residents not to hunt migratory species, warning that doing so would damage the fragile ecosystem.

“Our mobile environmental teams will monitor bird markets and enforce laws in coordination with Najaf Police,” he added.