Tehran's five dams hold 383 million cubic metres in mid-October

Mehr News Agency reported on 18 October, citing national water statistics, that the five main dams supplying Tehran held 383 million cubic metres on 11 October. Amir Kabir was 72 per cent full, Taleqan 39, Latyan 32, Mamlou 12 and Lar 4. All five hold more than a year earlier, but Lar, Mamlou, Taleqan and Latyan stay below their ten-year averages. Behnam Bakhshi, spokesman for the Tehran provincial water and wastewater company, told ISNA, in remarks carried by Taadol on 10 October, that stocks were 391 million cubic metres on 23 September, 148 million more than last year but about 200 million below the long-term norm. Tehran has had about 3.5 mm of rain this water year against the 280 mm it needs to end the drought, he said.

Why it matters. Bakhshi said a judgement on whether the drought has ended must wait until the autumn and winter rainfall has been counted.