Water Resources in Iraq: Perspectives and Prognosis
Abstract
Iraq is located in the Middle East which is considered as an arid to semi-arid area. Iraq mainly relies in its water resources on the waters of the Tigris and Euphrates and their tributaries. The country is located at the lower part of the catchment area of these rivers. The long term average annual flow recorded in Iraq from these rivers is about 30 BCM from the Euphrates, 22.2 BCM from the Tigris, 24.78BCM from tributaries and 7BCM from side valleys between Iraq and Iran. Nowadays, the flow of these rivers is decreasing due to climate change and hydrological projects established in the upper parts of the catchment. It is indicated that precipitation will decrease 15-25% during this century and that means that the flow of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers will be reduced by 29-73%. This will produce a grave depletion of ground water resources. Turkey is attempting to finish building 22 dams and 19 hydropower stations. Iran built many dams and diverted the flow of some tributaries inside Iran and blocked all the valleys that contributes water from its land to Iraq. For these reasons, Iraq is experiencing shortages in its water resources and there is some sort of friction and conflict between riparian countries within the Tigris and Euphrates basins because each country tries to secure its water resources. In this research, the factors affecting the hydro politics within these basins are: Water scarcity, Climate change and Hydrological projects, population growth rate, Energy issues, Water mismanagement, Economic changes, Expansions of projects and technology, Political issues, International water laws and Public awareness. To solve the problem of water scarcity in Iraq they should Reach agreements with Riparian Parties, and develop Long-term Strategy that should take care of: Rehabilitating of dams, barrages & pump stations, improving the efficiency of diversion and supply, using Nonconventional Water Resources, irrigation modernization using suitable techniques, developing a Public awareness program and establishing an agenda for training
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