Why Tehran Is Running Out of Water

The article "Why Tehran Is Running Out of Water" details the severe water crisis facing Iran’s capital, driven by an exceptional 2025 heat wave combined with several years of below-average precipitation and persistent drought. During summer 2025, Tehran experienced temperatures nearing 50°C (122°F), leading to the closure of public offices and banks, while major reservoirs, including the Amir Kabir Dam—a key drinking water source—reached critically low levels. This prolonged dry period, especially from December to April when precipitation typically replenishes reservoirs, has resulted in a potential "Day Zero" scenario where the city’s taps could run dry. The crisis has disrupted urban systems, reduced hydropower generation, and forced strict water-saving measures, with officials warning of possible evacuation if conditions worsen. The drought and heat stress are part of a broader regional anomaly affecting much of Iran, characterized by a significant north-south precipitation dipole: increased rainfall north of 40°N but severe deficits across central and southern