The Problem of River Pollution in Iraq
The phenomenon of river pollution in Iraq is one of the most serious environmental issues, posing significant threats to public health and endangering the country’s aquatic life. The main rivers, tributaries, and secondary waterways are increasingly suffering from this growing hazard, which has not received adequate attention from the relevant authorities.
Many cities located along these rivers continue to discharge untreated sewage directly into the waterways without consideration for the consequences. This has led to severe contamination of river systems that are relied upon by other cities for various human uses, particularly for drinking water. As a result, these polluted waters have become a source of multiple, dangerous diseases in recent years.
The situation has been further exacerbated by declining water levels and flow rates, with some rivers even reaching a state of complete dryness. This has adversely impacted the livelihoods of residents, disrupted agricultural activities, and led to the death of large portions of fish populations in rivers and marshes, including the Ibn Najm Marsh and the Shatt al-Mishkhab in Najaf Province, as well as other tributaries of the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers.
Moreover, rivers—especially in the central and southern provinces—are facing rising levels of salinity and various pollutants. This is largely due to the severe decrease in water discharge, coinciding with the hot and dry summer season when temperatures often exceed 50°C. The worsening phenomenon of climate-induced drought has compounded the pollution problem, significantly impacting river ecosystems and posing grave health risks to the population. The situation now signals a potentially catastrophic crisis.
In recent years, the pollution of rivers and streams in Iraq has led to major environmental challenges, including serious threats to public health. These include the spread of chronic diseases such as various forms of allergies, intestinal disorders, and kidney diseases—caused by the presence of harmful bacteria and chemical substances in untreated sewage and other contaminated waters.