Strategy for Water and Land Resources in Iraq (SWLRI)
A 20-year plan to secure Iraq’s water future
- Location: Iraq
- Date: 2011 – 2015
- Client: Government of Iraq
- Project Type: Water resources planning
Developing an integrated water resources management plan for water allocation and infrastructure in Iraq
By 2010, Iraq was in the throes of a water crisis. Inflows of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers had declined to critical levels, putting Iraq on course to run out of water by 2020. Water scarcity was already taking its toll—the agriculture sector grappled with drought and salty soils, and national water services were deteriorating. To stave off the crisis, the nation’s Ministry of Water Resources mandated the development of the Strategy for Water and Land Resources of Iraq (SWLRI) to provide the needed strategic vision and action towards a water-secure future.
The Ministry selected a Hydro Nova team to develop the comprehensive water resources policy and strategy framework. We relied on our deep field expertise to develop a framework that guides both sustainable management of available resources and long-term water security. We geospatially measured and mapped the entire flow regime, and simulated future conditions, determining the most optimal improvements for infrastructure and other projects. Based on the technical and governance assessment, the SWLRI 2015-2035 outlines an effective and bold strategy to manage Iraq’s water to support a water-secure future.
Services Provided
Macro-level water systems study
Our team undertook a 4-year detailed study of Iraq’s water resources, representing the most comprehensive assessment of the rivers, lakes, groundwater and critical infrastructure to date.
Climate adaptation strategy
Using climate and hydrologic modeling, we developed a flood and drought water management strategy to help Iraq build resilience of critical infrastructure and economic sectors.
Infrastructure project investment prioritization
We helped government devise a 20-year nationwide, US $175 billion investment and water management plan targeting all water related sectors of Iraq.
River sharing strategy
Our water diplomacy team helped formulate a strategy to broker a water-sharing agreement with neighboring countries.
