The Erbil clean water supply returned to normal operation after water levels in the Great River stabilized earlier this week. Local authorities confirmed that clean water is now reaching households across the city without disruption. This improvement follows a temporary slowdown caused by heavy rainfall and increased debris in the river.
The recent rainfall raised the Great River’s water level and carried mud, sand, and debris downstream. As a result, Erbil’s water treatment facilities briefly reduced production to protect the filtration systems from heavy sediment. However, the Erbil clean water supply quickly recovered thanks to rapid operational adjustments and emergency procedures.
According to an official statement from Rabar Hussein, Director of Erbil Water, teams acted immediately to maintain service reliability. “After the recent rise in water levels and the heavy mud and debris in the Great River, we temporarily reduced production at the water projects on the river. After 12 to 13 hours, we were able to increase production again. Now the projects are operating normally, and drinking water is reaching Erbil without any issues,” he said. His comments reassured residents concerned about potential shortages.
The city’s rapid response was supported by the new water-transfer project recently implemented for Erbil. This project includes three large filtration units designed to stabilize the Erbil clean water supply even during periods of fluctuating river conditions. These facilities provided critical support during the temporary slowdown and ensured that most neighborhoods continued to receive water.
Moreover, the water-transfer system brought added resilience by redirecting clean water to neighborhoods that experienced pressure drops. This system has become an essential part of Erbil’s long-term plan to protect the clean water supply from seasonal challenges.
Despite the disruption caused by the rainfall, the response demonstrated strong coordination between technical teams and local authorities. Now, with river levels back to normal, the city expects a stable Erbil clean water supply in the coming days. Residents report improved pressure in most areas, and water distribution teams continue monitoring the system to prevent further interruptions.


