Tehran water shortage inequality

This crisis is primarily due to a combination of environmental changes, poor resource management, and unsustainable agricultural practices, which have collectively caused a substantial decline in both surface and groundwater reserves.

[3] Iran faces a severe water crisis due to a combination of climate change, population growth, and decades of poor management.

Presently, three of the five principal dams supplying Tehran are approaching critically low levels, prompting authorities to urge the public to intensify water conservation efforts.

Due to a combination of geographical, socio-economic, and infrastructural factors, the northern and southern areas of Tehran face different levels of water shortage challenges.

In contrast, the less affluent neighborhoods often depend on outdated or inadequate infrastructure, intensifying water supply challenges, particularly during periods of drought.

These local institutions managed water-sharing arrangements, dispute resolution, and infrastructure maintenance, ensuring a participatory approach to water governance.

However, the shift to a state-controlled system has weakened community involvement, leading to a lack of representation for vulnerable populations in water-related decision-making and exacerbating disparities in access and affordability.