Iran Water Crisis: From Ancient Water Systems to a National Survival Challenge

Iran is facing a severe ‘water bankruptcy’ crisis, forcing the government to consider relocating the capital from drought-stricken Tehran to coastal areas. This crisis stems from over half a century of improper water engineering policies, including constructing unrealistic dams and over-extracting groundwater, which has caused ancient qanat systems to dry up. Iran once had the world’s most advanced water resource management system, but modern engineering pursuits for food self-sufficiency have resulted in 32 of the country’s largest overexploited aquifers being located in Iran. Experts are urging the government to restore the qanat system and recharge groundwater resources, but the government continues to prefer investing in expensive and inefficient desalination projects. This water crisis not only threatens Iran’s national survival but also demonstrates the conflict between modern engineering and traditional wisdom, as well as the importance of sustainable development technologies.