Iraq has launched a new strategy to use artificial intelligence for water dam management, according to Diyaa Al-Jumaili, the Prime Minister’s advisor for artificial intelligence. The initiative comes at a time when Iraq uses AI to manage wateramid worsening drought and reduced river flows.
Al-Jumaili announced that Iraq has begun planning a large-scale project to construct smart dams along the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. These smart systems will also be implemented in Basra, where larger water control structures are planned. As well as Authorities aim to use technology to improve the monitoring and distribution of water.
Currently, the project is operating in test mode in Kufa and Abbasiya. So These two sites will serve as models for how artificial intelligence can improve dam efficiency. Engineers will analyze how AI can detect changes in water quality, inflow levels, and flood risks.
If successful, Iraq plans to expand the model across the country. Al-Jumaili stated that once complete, the Tigris, Euphrates, and Shatt Al-Arab rivers will be transformed into controlled lake systems. This would allow Iraq to regulate and store water more effectively, especially during dry seasons.
This move comes as the country faces its worst water shortage in nearly a century. Water levels in the Tigris and Euphrates fell to record lows in recent months, caused by a combination of climate change and upstream restrictions from neighboring countries.
In response, Iraq has already limited the amount of land used for farming. Officials have also encouraged farmers to adopt advanced irrigation systems to reduce water waste. The government now sees artificial intelligence as a new tool to support long-term water sustainability.
The AI system will allow dam managers to make faster and more accurate decisions. Sensors will gather real-time data on water flow and environmental conditions. This data will help predict flood events and improve the timing of water releases for agriculture and daily use.
By integrating smart technology into dam management, Iraq uses AI to manage water as part of a national effort to overcome severe shortages. Officials believe that embracing innovation is the only way to ensure water access for Iraq’s 46 million citizens.
With climate pressure rising, Iraq must continue modernizing its infrastructure. Smart dams and AI offer a promising start.