Water management authorities in the Iranian capital Tehran say water storage in reservoirs feeding the city has declined drastically in the water year starting late September.

Mohammad Shahriari, a senior official from Tehran Regional Water Company, said on Sunday that water supply to five reservoirs of the city had declined 30% year on year in more than six months to April 3 to 409 million cubic meters.

Shahriari told the state TV that current water storage in reservoirs in Tehran are estimated at 403 million cubic meters, down from 669 million cubic meters recorded in April last year.

He said that average precipitation recorded in Tehran since the start of the water year had declined by 24% to 155 millimeters (6.1 inches).


The official added that rainfall had dropped by 74% year on year in the two weeks to April 3, leading to a reduction of nearly 50% in water supply to the five dams in the capital.

The figures come amid warnings by authorities that they may be forced to introduce water supply cuts for households in parts of the Iranian capital over the warm summer months.

Lower than expected rainfall and poor management of resources caused major water shortages in the southwestern Iranian province of Khuzestan last summer, leading to protests in several cities and towns.

Iranian Energy Ministry said earlier this week that it is planning to build dozens of dams across the country to ensure a stable supply of water to large population centers.






By PRESS TV