Iraq faces a severe challenge as the Euphrates water crisis reaches historic lows. The country struggles with hotter summers, limited rainfall, and rising drought conditions. Every year, water shortages grow more serious, and the population feels the direct impact.
In the south, the problem becomes even more alarming. With less river flow, pollution spreads and algae cover wide areas. These changes hurt local communities that depend on clean water for daily life. Farmers also struggle because their crops need reliable irrigation.
For thousands of years, the Tigris and Euphrates nourished Iraq. Both rivers begin in Turkey and flow through the country. However, Iraqi officials repeatedly blame dams in Turkey for reducing the water reaching Iraq. This cut in supply worsens the Euphrates water crisis and deepens the pressure on local resources.
Experts warn that the Euphrates has reached its lowest level in decades. Hasan al-Khateeb, a scholar at the University of Kufa, explained that southern regions face the sharpest decline. Authorities also confirm that Iraq receives less than 35 percent of its expected water share from both rivers.
To keep the river flowing, Iraq releases water from its reservoirs. Yet these reserves continue shrinking at an alarming rate. The water ministry reports that artificial lakes now hold the lowest amount of water in modern Iraqi history. Volumes have dropped from 10 billion cubic meters to less than eight billion. This figure equals less than eight percent of their full capacity.
Low flows also harm water quality. As reserves empty, algae spread faster and threaten aquatic life. Thick algae reduce oxygen levels and block sunlight, creating unsafe conditions for fish and other species. In some areas, bacterial pollution has also appeared.
Authorities in Karbala and Najaf warned that residents now face very poor water quality. Lake Najaf, once full of life, has become only scattered stagnant pools. Meanwhile, in Nasiriyah, invasive plants such as water hyacinth spread widely. These plants consume large amounts of water each day and choke the ecosystem.
The environment ministry insists that it treats water to safe standards for cities in central and southern Iraq. Still, experts say the Euphrates water crisis continues to grow and demands urgent solutions. Without stronger action, the river that shaped Iraq’s history may not sustain its people in the future.