News / Iran Today

Drought and water shortage in Iran

Sunday, 11 March 2018 2:19 PM [ Last Update: Sunday, 11 March 2018 2:21 PM ]

Iran being located in the world dry belt is faced with scanty rainfall, drying up of its underground water resources and wetlands and the new unwelcomed phenomenon of dust storms.

Statistics indicate that Iran ranks 13th among the most water-stressed countries in 2040.Due to unconditional agricultural activities and extraction of too much of its aquifers, today Iran has lost much of its underground water resources causing large holes in almost 50% of its plains.

Unlike some who blame low precipitation for all the problems of water shortage, there are others who think mismanagement of water resources is the main cause. Efficient water usage is a must for Iranians either in industry, agriculture or home usage. Many say unstudied dam construction is one of the main reasons for water shortage because it impounds huge reserves of water which then is evaporated into sky under the heat of sun; however, we should not forget the benefits that dams offer including curbing floods, supplying drinking water and generation of electricity.

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