Mashhad, Iran’s second-largest city and a major religious center, has seen its water reserves fall below 3 percent, putting its 4 million residents at risk of a water crisis.
The situation in Mashhad highlights a national disaster, as Iran confronts the repercussions of increasing droughts, unprecedented low rainfall, and years of poorly managed water resources.
Policymaking that prioritized the construction of new dams and deep wells over maintaining existing infrastructure and promoting conservation has resulted in the country facing severe water shortages.
Mashhad, home to the Imam Reza shrine, is one of several Iranian cities facing dwindling reservoirs and depleted aquifers. Tehran also struggles with low water levels and rationing, while lakes like Urmia have largely dried up due to mismanagement and reduced inflow.
The widespread shortages highlight how decreasing rainfall and inadequate infrastructure planning have strained both the urban water supply and agriculture. Without immediate conservation efforts and reforms, significant population centers risk facing persistent shortages.
Iran’s escalating crisis poses significant risks to its agricultural output, threatening food security not only domestically but also in neighboring countries. Additionally, increasing pressure on shared river basins could exacerbate regional tensions.
Hossein Esmaeilian, managing director of the Mashhad Water and Wastewater Company, reported that the city’s water reserves have dropped below 3 percent, making effective water management essential despite a slight decrease in consumption during colder months.
Mashhad County has received only 0.4 millimeters of precipitation this year, down from 27 to 28 millimeters last year. The reservoirs are supplying just 1,000 to 1,500 liters per second, while the city consumes about 8,000 liters per second, increasing the risk of water rationing.
Esmaeilian urged residents to conserve water to prevent supply disruptions, suggesting a 20 percent reduction in consumption to avoid rationing. Meanwhile, deputy governor Hassan Hosseini indicated that a regional rationing plan may be considered before autumn ends if the drought continues.
Iranian officials have attributed the country’s water shortage to excessive public consumption. Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi announced nighttime water cuts and urged residents to consider home water storage systems, though he acknowledged the high costs may be a barrier for many.
President Masoud Pezeshkian warned that Tehran could face more water rationing if rainfall does not increase. He noted that these measures might not be enough to prevent a crisis, stating, “If rationing doesn’t work, we may have to evacuate Tehran.”
Iran’s water management has prioritized dam construction and groundwater extraction over maintaining distribution networks and conservation. This approach has caused declining aquifers and heightened vulnerability during dry periods.
Officials are counting on winter rains, but without adequate precipitation or urgent reforms, Mashhad and other major Iranian cities may face severe urban drought. Authorities are preparing contingency plans due to the potential impact on millions of people.
2 Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
2 Peter 3:11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
2 Peter 3:12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
Revelations 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.
Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.
James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
Revelations 16:15 Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.
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