Iran's Water Crisis: Tehran Faces Potential Evacuation as Reservoirs Near Empty

Iran is facing one of its most severe water shortages in recent history, with the capital Tehran experiencing an alarming situation. President Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a stark warning that water rationing will be implemented if rainfall doesn't occur by December, stating that if the situation worsens, residents "have to evacuate."

The possibility of water taps running dry has created significant anxiety among Tehran's approximately 15 million inhabitants. Recently, concerned citizens gathered at a local mosque to pray for rain as the drought continues without relief.

Although Tehran is receiving the most attention, experts indicate the crisis extends throughout the country. According to Mohsen B Mesgaran, a researcher at the University of California, Davis, around 20 provinces have not received any rainfall since late September. Reuters reports approximately 10 percent of Iran's dams are effectively empty.

Amir AghaKouchak from the University of California, Irvine told CNN that Iran is currently experiencing its worst drought in at least 40 years. Water levels are declining "at a time of year when you would normally expect storage to be recovering, not collapsing further."

Tehran's primary reservoirs are nearly depleted. Mohsen Ardakani, who heads the city's water authority, reported they are only about 11 percent full.

The Latyan Dam is approximately 9 percent full, with its reservoir reduced to exposed riverbed in numerous areas.

The Amir Kabir Dam is at roughly 8 percent of total capacity, according to Reuters.

In Mashhad, Iran's second-largest city, reservoir levels have dropped to just 3 percent, as reported by ISNA News.

Experts attribute the crisis to decades of mismanagement compounded by climate change. Iran has excessively extracted groundwater, constructed numerous dams that restrict natural water flows, and suffered massive water loss through aging infrastructure. Mesgaran noted that "an estimated 30 percent of treated drinking water is lost through old, leaky distribution systems."

The drought-driven heat has intensified over time. Iran is now experiencing its sixth consecutive year of drought, with conditions that "would not have been possible without human-caused climate change," according to a World Weather Attribution study.

While authorities have avoided declaring official rationing, many Tehran residents report experiencing low water pressure and intermittent dry taps. Poor communication from the government has fueled public mistrust and even conspiracy theories, including claims that foreign powers are "stealing clouds."

Experts consider the evacuation of Tehran highly unlikely. "Where would people even go?" questioned Mesgaran.

Kaveh Madani from the UN University's water institute has warned that Iran is in "water bankruptcy." The government has also attempted cloud seeding, which Madani described as a measure "desperate governments" implement to demonstrate they are taking action.