Tehran could soon run out of water. Experts warn Iran’s capital might face “day zero” within weeks — a point where taps run dry for large parts of the city. The government is struggling to fix the crisis. Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian said urgent action is needed, or it could lead to an unsolvable disaster.
Iran always had water problems, but this time it’s hitting the capital. Water has always been limited in Iran due to its dry climate, but now Tehran, with 10 million people, is directly in danger. Tehran’s main reservoirs are running low. Water experts say if people don’t cut back on usage soon, the city might run completely out, as per the CNN report.
Why is Iran’s water problem getting worse?Poor planning and overuse made the crisis worse. The crisis is due to bad water management over decades and growing water demand that supply can’t match. Climate change is hitting Iran hard. Iran is facing its fifth year of drought and one of the worst on record, with heat over 122°F in some areas this month.
ALSO READ: Trump boots Melania from East Wing of White House to make room for lavish Mar-a-Lago style ballroom
Water pressure has been cut in Tehran. The local governor said water pressure is reduced by 50%, affecting 80% of homes. High-rise buildings are hit the hardest. People in taller buildings, like one man on the 14th floor, often get no water at all, as stated by CNN report. 
Live EventsTankers are delivering water to the city. Water is now brought in by trucks, and wealthier residents are buying storage tanks. Iran declared a holiday to save water. Last week, the government gave Tehran and other areas a one-day public holiday to cut down on water and electricity use.
A longer holiday may be coming. Officials may declare a full week off so people leave the city and reduce water use. Experts blame mismanagement as a key cause. Poor water policies and bad usage habits are said to have pushed Iran into “water bankruptcy”, as per the CNN report.
How climate and politics made the crisis worseAquifers under Tehran are badly overused. So much groundwater has been taken that parts of the city are sinking — over 10 inches per year in some areas. The situation may now be permanent.
Madani says it’s not just a crisis anymore — it’s a permanent loss with some damage impossible to fix.
Rainfall has dropped by over 40%. This year’s rain is far below average, and dams near Tehran are only 21% full. Almost every province in Iran is in trouble. 30 of Iran’s 31 provinces are now under water stress. The government hopes to avoid water rationing. Iran’s energy minister says he “hopes” they won’t need to start rationing, according to the report by CNN.
Current solutions are temporary. Officials are using short-term fixes like water transfer projects, but these don’t solve the real problem. Real change would mean shifting away from farming. Madani says Iran must move away from farming, which uses 90% of its water, and switch to less water-heavy industries. Deep political problems stand in the way. Experts say the crisis won’t be solved unless Iran’s political and government systems are reformed.
ALSO READ: Pam Bondi to be thrown under the bus in Epstein cover-up, DC source alleges
Sanctions and politics make change hard. Fixing the system is unlikely because of economic challenges and international sanctions, especially from the U.S. Everyone is now hoping for rain in fall. Experts say if Tehran makes it to the end of September, rainfall might help avoid total disaster, according to the CNN report.
FAQsQ1. Why is Tehran running out of water?
Tehran is facing a severe water crisis due to poor water management, overuse, drought, and extreme heat.
Q2. What is Iran doing to stop the water crisis?
Iran is cutting water pressure, declaring holidays, and bringing in tankers, but experts say real reforms are needed.