The Dukan Dam water level has dropped significantly in 2025, raising alarm in Sulaymaniyah and beyond. Farmers, villagers, and environmental observers are concerned as water levels fall to historic lows. The situation results from both reduced rainfall and inconsistent water flow from Iran.
The Dukan Dam water level drop is among the most severe since its construction in 1959. Located on the Zey Bachuk River in Sulaymaniyah Province, the dam is one of Iraq’s most important sources of water and hydroelectric power.
This year, rainfall in the region reached only 245 to 250 millimeters. Historically, this amount is far below average. As a result, the dam has retained just 1.75 billion cubic meters out of its 7 billion cubic meter capacity. The decrease of nearly 20 meters has exposed large areas of the reservoir’s banks.
The Dukan Dam water level drop is closely linked to Iranian water policies. Water flow from Iran now only occurs when its hydro turbines are active. When turbine operations stop, so does the water. This on-off pattern has caused serious disruptions to the water supply in the Kurdistan Region.
In Kela Spian, a village along a smaller river that feeds the dam, residents have seen the effects firsthand. One villager explained that water once flowed regularly, but that changed after Iran completed its upstream dam.
The impact is widespread. Local agriculture suffers. Livestock farmers face shortages. Fish farms have dried up. Environmental conditions around the dam are also deteriorating, increasing risks of soil erosion and ecological imbalance.
If current conditions continue, more communities in Sulaymaniyah will suffer. Authorities urge immediate policy review and regional cooperation. A comprehensive water-sharing agreement is essential to protect resources and ensure long-term sustainability. The Dukan Dam water level drop in 2025 serves as a stark warning. Without immediate action, both human and environmental costs will continue to rise.
