Iran launches $70m water diversion project to boost Tehran supply

Reuters

Iran has inaugurated a $70 million water diversion initiative aimed at increasing the capital’s water supply.

The Taleqan-Tehran project channels water from the Taleqan Dam, over 140 kilometers northwest of Tehran, to treatment facilities in Karaj, a key source of the city’s water.

Energy Minister Abbas Aliabadi said the project has added 2,200 liters per second to Tehran’s supply, which currently faces a demand of 40,000 liters per second. Once complete, the pipeline will extend 62 kilometers and is expected to provide an additional 2,500 liters per second, serving nearly three million residents.

Experts describe the project as one of the most complex water transfer schemes undertaken by Iran’s Energy Ministry. Construction has involved over 43,500 metric tons of large-diameter pipes, with more work underway to connect the remaining sections to treatment facilities near Tehran.

Tehran has faced rising water demand amid record summer temperatures exceeding 40°C, alongside a 50% drop in reservoir levels compared to last year, attributed to a 41% decline in rainfall during the wet season.

The ministry expects the project to strengthen the capital’s water security and support its growing population.

Tags