The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) has expanded its dam and pond projects to improve water security. Officials say these projects have raised groundwater levels and strengthened the region’s ability to face drought and climate change.
Karwan Sabah Hawrami, Director-General of Water Resources at the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, said the projects aim to meet current needs and protect water resources for future generations. He added that the projects have also revived several rural communities.
One of the most successful projects is the Quba pond in the Harir subdistrict. The area once suffered from severe water shortages. Many residents considered leaving their homes because of the lack of water. Today, water resources have returned. The area has also become a popular destination for fishing and tourism.
Hawrami said groundwater levels have risen sharply in many areas. In some locations, residents can now access water without pumps. Ministry figures show that groundwater levels have increased by between 2 and 23 meters in most places. Some areas have recorded increases of up to 100 meters.
For more than 20 years, climate change and uncontrolled well drilling have reduced groundwater reserves. To address the problem, the government launched eight scientific recharge projects. It also introduced surface water management programs in Ifraz and Qushtapa. These measures have helped restore underground water supplies.
The government has also stepped up efforts against illegal well drilling. Authorities have seized nearly 800 drilling machines in the Erbil area since last year. Officials describe unauthorized drilling as the theft of public resources.
To reduce dependence on groundwater, the KRG launched the Harwazi Pond project. The government allocated 1.5 billion Iraqi dinars to support low-cost pond construction. The project encourages farmers to collect rainwater instead of extracting groundwater.
Meanwhile, dams have increased Kurdistan’s water storage capacity by 15 percent. Twelve dams are in different stages of development. However, only six are currently under construction because of financial and political challenges. Officials say these projects form part of a long-term strategy to protect water resources and improve climate resilience across the Kurdistan Region.
