Before the construction of the Kut Barrage, the Gharraf canal only received water during periods of flood in the Tigris.

The water level in the canal is maintained by the Gharraf Head Regulator, which was constructed at the same time as the Kut Barrage.

[4] Construction of the barrage was carried out by 2,500 Arab and Kurdish workers, and involved the removal of 1,223,288 cubic metres (1,600,000 cu yd) of ground.

These farmers received 10 hectares (25 acres) per family and were required to live on the land they farmed.

[5][6] In 2005, repairs and maintenance works were carried out at the Kut Barrage and the Gharraf Head Regulator for a total cost of US$3 million.