Despite the dry, arid, and semi-arid climate throughout Khorasan Razavi Province and about 15 years of drought, which threatens the province with a serious water shortage, the recent reports of Mashhad Climatic Research Institute indicate an increase in water level resulting from spring showers.
Deputy of Khorasan Razavi Regional Water Authority, Mohammad Ala’ee told the Persian daily Iran, “The water level in 16 dams of the province has increased to 31.4%, which shows a 9.4% rise compared to the same time last year.”
However, based on data from 15 precipitation monitoring stations, the amount of rainfall has not been uniform across the province; some areas may still encounter partial drought or shortage of water, including Karat and Fadak.
The two stations have seen a decrease in precipitation level compared to the average level of last year (ended March 20).
The current water crisis has been aggravated by the seemingly perennial drought as well as years of bad resource management, especially in the province’s agriculture sector, Alaee asserted.
“Digging unauthorized wells and water pollution also contributes to the problem.”
“We are in dire need of efficient water management,” he said, adding that water is wasted in all areas including household consumption, drinking, urban and rural sanitary purposes, agriculture, industry, and services.
In Iran, the water consumption per capita is twice the world’s standard, while 30% of drinking water is wasted.
According to global standards the limit for drawing water is 40% of the renewable resources.
In the province, that standard is violated by 51% for surface waters and 74% for ground water resources.
The official called for effective planning, stressing the importance of quick implementation.
“We need to act instead of hoping for more rainfall.”
