Concerns Raised Over Drinking Water Supply in Isfahan

Iran's Ministry of Energy states that if the current level of the Zayandeh Rud dam decreases, the drinking water supply for the province will face challenges. Setareh Mahmoudi, Deputy Minister of Energy in Iran, told ISNA news agency that Isfahan has been facing consecutive droughts over the past three years, while water consumption has simultaneously been increasing. Mahmoudi further warned that Isfahan's 'water crisis' is 'greater than in previous years.' He noted that the water storage in the Zayandeh Rud dam has decreased by about 90 to 100 millimeters compared to last year, putting it in an unprecedented situation; 'this year is one of the few years that the Zayandeh Rud dam is at its minimum capacity.' According to the Deputy Minister, despite Isfahan being one of the 'limited provinces in the country with professional agriculture,' the Ministry of Energy must prioritize supplying drinking water to citizens, while other water resources for the environment, industry, and agriculture will be secondary. Mahmoudi stated that currently, it is not possible to supply all agricultural water resources in Isfahan province. Previously, on November 21, an advisor to the First Vice President of Iran also warned about the water situation, especially in agriculture. Eisa Kalantari mentioned that rainfall in Iran is one-third of the average, and water evaporation is two and a half times the global average. Kalantari indicated that in agriculture, '80 billion cubic meters' of water is consumed, while agriculture's share of Iran's gross domestic product is 'only 9 percent.' Iranian officials say they intend to reduce water consumption in Iran by at least 11 billion cubic meters in the sixth development plan. Drought, consumption, and reduction of underground resources, as well as water resource management over the past years or water consumption management in agriculture, are among the issues that have led to threats in supplying drinking water to citizens. Iranian officials have also warned about this in recent years and called for 'optimization' of consumption.