Iraq – Water Quantity and Water Quality in Central and South Iraq: A Preliminary Assessment in the Context of Displacement Risk (2020)

Environmental challenges such as water scarcity, pollution and reduced ecosystem services can affect people’s income generation possibilities and their health and physical wellbeing, and can therefore be a factor in the decision to leave one’s place of residence. Environmental factors are among the drivers of displacement and migration, along with political, demographic, economic and social factors. This report focuses on understanding variations in water quantity and water quality in central and south Iraq in the last two decades and on providing insight for the future. The report also suggests key recommendations to mitigate the water crisis. To further this understanding, an exploratory modelling system including hydrological, water resource and water quality models was developed for the Euphrates and Tigris rivers basin. The main water problems identified are mainly linked to water shortages for irrigated agriculture and poor water quality due to excessively high total dissolved solids (TDS), that is, salinity levels. Further research on the reasons why some people displace from the most affected areas while others remain would be required to better understand the link between water issues and displacement.