Iraq gains 6 billion cubic meters of water reserves from recent storms

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s Ministry of Water Resources said Friday it successfully managed the recent wave of storms and flooding to boost the country’s strategic water reserves by about 6 billion cubic meters, describing the outcome as one of the most significant water gains in recent years.

The ministry said the National Center for Water Resources Management coordinated a proactive response across all ministry formations, directing floodwaters to maximize storage across the country’s dam and reservoir system. Key achievements include reinforcing Lake Tharthar by around 2 billion cubic meters to support the Tigris and Euphrates in coming seasons, reviving Lake Habbaniyah with an additional 100 million cubic meters after years of decline, and improving storage at Haditha Dam through balanced water releases.

The ministry also said the rainfall significantly enhanced groundwater storage, secured water needs for the winter agricultural season in full, and improved water quality in southern governorates — particularly Basra, where salinity levels dropped as inflows increased. Marshland inundation levels also rose, improving environmental and living conditions in the south.

The gains come after a severe drought that left Iraq’s water reserves at their lowest levels in roughly 80 years in 2025, driven by prolonged dry conditions, climate change and reduced inflows linked to upstream dam projects in Turkey and Iran. The ministry described the results as reflecting “an integrated water resources management approach based on achieving balance between scarcity and abundance.”