Image missing.
Why Tehran Is Running Out of Water

Yeon-Woo Choi, Elfatih A. B. Eltahir

created: Dec. 6, 2025, noon | updated: Dec. 7, 2025, 11:37 p.m.

During this period, major reservoirs supplying the Tehran region reached record-low levels, and water supply systems came under acute strain. By early November, the reservoir behind Amir Kabir Dam, a main source of drinking water for Tehran, had dropped to about 8 percent of its capacity. Falling reservoir levels led to disruptions in hydropower generation, and water shortages prompted strict saving measures across parts of the capital. Amid these escalating pressures, officials warned that the capital city may even have to be evacuated if water supplies fail to recover. Precipitation around Tehran typically peaks between December and April, replenishing reservoirs behind dams before the onset of the dry summer.

1 day, 11 hours ago: WIRED