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Iran's Capital on Brink of Water Catastrophe
Tehran, home to 10 million people, could reach 'day zero' within weeks as reservoirs shrink to critical levels. Authorities have reduced water pressure by 50%, affecting 80% of households, with many high-rise residents already experiencing dry taps.
Climate and Management Collide
Iran suffers its fifth consecutive year of drought with rainfall 40% below average. Temperatures recently exceeded 50°C (122°F), accelerating evaporation. Dams supplying the capital are at just 21% capacity while groundwater over-extraction has caused city subsidence of 25cm/year.
Emergency Measures Implemented
The government has declared public holidays to reduce demand and deployed water tankers across Tehran. Officials are considering a week-long shutdown to encourage temporary relocation. President Masoud Pezeshkian warned: "Without urgent decisions, we face an unsolvable future."
Root Causes and Solutions
Experts identify decades of mismanagement: 90% of Iran's water goes to inefficient agriculture, while aging infrastructure leaks 30% of supply. UN water specialist Kaveh Madani advocates economic diversification: "We must shift from water-intensive farming to industry and services."
The crisis highlights how climate change amplifies governance challenges in arid regions worldwide. If autumn rains fail, Tehran could become the first megacity to fully exhaust its water reserves.
