The Dukan Dam water crisis is escalating, bringing new challenges to millions across northern Iraq. Water levels in the dam have dropped sharply due to poor rainfall and upstream damming. Located in the Kurdistan Region, the Dukan Dam reservoir now holds just 24% of its full capacity.
The dam, built in the 1950s, usually stores up to seven billion cubic meters of water. Today, it holds only about 1.6 billion. According to Kochar Jamal Tawfeeq, the dam’s director, this is the lowest level in nearly 20 years.
In fact, satellite images show the lake has lost 56% of its surface area since 2019. Deep cracks now run along the retreating shoreline. Tawfeeq explained that the region received only 220 millimeters of rain this winter, far less than the usual 600 millimeters.
Meanwhile, upstream damming on the Little Zab River in Iran is also reducing flow into Dukan. Iran has built many dams on the river to support its own needs, worsening the crisis downstream. Iraq blames both Iran and Turkey for limiting water flow from shared rivers.
The Dukan Dam water crisis is taking a toll on farming. In the village of Sarsian, Hussein Khader Sheikhah lost most of his winter wheat crop due to drought. Although he planted a small summer crop near the river, it won’t cover the $5,700 he lost from 13 hectares of failed crops.
Cities downstream are now facing stricter water rationing. In Kirkuk and Sulaimaniyah, four million people rely on the dam for drinking water. Treatment plants in Kirkuk report a 40% drop in supply. Local official Zaki Karim said water is now distributed less frequently.
Authorities are raising awareness about water conservation and cracking down on illegal connections. They aim to ensure every household receives at least a minimal share.
The Dukan Dam water crisis reflects a deeper climate emergency in Iraq. Rising temperatures, reduced rainfall, and poor management have put millions at risk. Without urgent action, the situation will only worsen.
