Water flows from Turkey into Iraq have increased significantly following the implementation of a nearly two-year water cooperation agreement between Baghdad and Ankara, according to an adviser to the Iraqi Prime Minister.
The adviser said the agreement has now entered its implementation phase, leading to a noticeable rise in upstream water supplies reaching Iraq after years of concerns over declining river levels and water shortages.
A key part of the agreement is an “oil-for-water” mechanism, which links cooperation in the energy sector with water management initiatives. Under this framework, Iraq aims to secure improved water flows while also financing water-related infrastructure and development projects across the country.
The increased water releases are expected to help improve conditions in several regions that have been affected by drought, reduced river inflows, and growing demand for water resources.
Iraq has faced mounting water challenges in recent years due to climate change, lower rainfall, rising temperatures, and reduced inflows from rivers originating outside its borders. These pressures have affected agriculture, drinking water supplies, and overall water security.
Officials view the agreement with Turkey as an important step toward addressing those challenges and improving long-term water management.
The adviser also highlighted the importance of using the additional water supplies effectively through infrastructure improvements, conservation measures, and projects designed to strengthen Iraq’s water sector.
The implementation of the agreement comes at a critical time for Iraq, where water security has become increasingly linked to economic stability, agricultural production, and environmental sustainability.
If the current cooperation continues successfully, higher water flows could help ease pressure on reservoirs, support farming activities, and improve water availability for millions of Iraqis while advancing broader development projects funded under the agreement.
