Iran is confronting a severe water crisis that has left an estimated 28 million people without reliable access to water, sparking widespread protests that have continued for seven consecutive nights.

Officials confirmed at least three fatalities as security forces used live ammunition to disperse demonstrators in some regions.

Authorities reported that water levels in reservoirs have dropped by as much as 15 metres in the past year, with major dams in southern provinces holding less than 15% of their capacity.

Some reports indicate certain reservoirs are nearly depleted.

The crisis follows five years of prolonged drought and rainfall approximately 40% below normal levels.

The capital’s main dam is projected to supply water for only one more month, raising concerns that Tehran could face critical shortages by the end of September.

On August 19, a network failure left 370,000 residents in Kamabad without drinking water, further fuelling unrest.

The government has restricted internet access in 27 of Iran’s 31 provinces and imposed rolling blackouts lasting six to twelve hours daily across much of the country.

Environmental analysts note that around 90% of Iran’s freshwater is consumed by agriculture, where outdated flood irrigation methods contribute to high levels of waste.

Intensive extraction of groundwater has caused land subsidence in several provinces, with some areas sinking by up to 30 centimetres annually.

The Karun River and other historically vital water sources have been severely depleted, while once-prominent wetlands such as Hamoon have largely dried up.

Temperatures have intensified the shortages, with parts of southwestern Iran recording highs above 50°C.

Iran is warming at roughly twice the global average, accelerating evaporation and exacerbating drought conditions.

Extreme weather patterns, including alternating floods and droughts, have strained infrastructure and agricultural systems.

The shortages have also driven cross-border tensions.

Iran accuses Afghanistan of withholding water from the Helmand River in violation of a 1973 treaty, while clashes in 2023 resulted in casualties on both sides.

Iraq has similarly accused Iran of diverting tributaries feeding the Tigris River, reducing flows to downstream communities.

In response, Iran has launched desalination projects drawing water from the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman, with multi-billion-dollar investments in pipelines to central and eastern provinces.

However, the projects face high operating costs and environmental concerns.

Experts estimate that up to 70% of Iran’s groundwater reserves have already been depleted, raising concerns over long-term sustainability.

The Ministry of Energy has warned that 19 of Iran’s 31 provinces are currently experiencing severe drought conditions, with some towns dependent on trucked water deliveries and strict rationing.

Disruptions have also triggered an increase in dust storms, particularly in Sistan and Baluchestan, where air quality has deteriorated significantly, causing widespread respiratory illness.