Water Usage Analysis Based on the bar graph shown previously,
Iraq uses about twice as much water as the United States. It is
estimated that both countries will develop a higher water scarcity
within the next decade which might result in the graphs equaling
out more.
Slide 4
Iraqs Biome
Slide 5
Biome Temperate grasslands Grasses as dominant vegetation
Varying temperatures Seasonal drought/occasional fires Deserts
Savannas Hot/dry Shortage of precipitation Unbearable temperatures
Barren land Steppe Dry grassland Plowing/grazing loose soil dust
storms
Slide 6
Climate Iraq climate varies greatly throughout the year, with
the highest temperature varying from 100-120 degrees Fahrenheit.
Within the winter months, the area temperature is below freezing
with much snow. The average rainfall per year reaches around 100
centimeters. Rainfall usually occurs in the more mountainous
regions of Iraq in the early spring and winter. Besides rain, Iraqs
summer season is marked by heavy winds. The two types of wind are
classified as the southern and southeasterly Sharqi and the steady
Shamal wind. The winds provide both dry heat as well as a possible
cooling effect depending on the time of year. These winds bring
hazardous dust storms which overall play a role in the water
availability of Iraq.
Slide 7
Average Temperatures of Iraq (C)
Slide 8
How does Climate Affect Water Availability? The dry climate of
Iraq can directly affect water availability. Based on the common
dust storms as a result of the heavy winds, it leaves much dry
land. Iraq has around 30 percent desert making up its landscape
with over 50 percent being sub-deserts. Dust storms also affect
water quality of most rivers and streams located in certain areas.
The high temperatures that come with the summer months, affect the
water level of Iraqs water sources (Tigris & Euphrates River).
Iraq also suffers from heavy droughts in the late summer
months.
Slide 9
Iraq Population/ Water Availability Iraq has a high population
growth rate. The rate is almost twice the worlds population growth
rate. Based on the World Bank, World Development Indicator, the
population in Iraq increases by about 2.45 million per every five
years with the rate steadily rising. From 2005 to 2010 the rate
increased by 5.67 million to result in Iraqs population being 32.03
as of 2010. This high population growth rate directly affects Iraqs
water availability. As the population increases, water availability
per-capita decreases. It also influences the amount of water waste
as well as water quality of area sources.
Slide 10
Main Concerns Regarding Water Availability Iraqs main concern
regarding water availability right now is providing safe water to
households. As of right now, 20% of homes in Iraq are being tapped
unsafe water. Less than 50% of homes in rural areas have access to
a safe water supply. A second main concern they house is that 16%
dont even have the ability to receive water.
Slide 11
Serious Water Problems Iraq houses numerous water problems all
over the country. As discussed earlier, water shortages per home
are incredibly common as well as the use of hazardous water. A
major concern is that the quality of most water is poor due to the
contamination from sewage. Based on the Ministry of Water Resources
in Iraq report of water in 2010, over 80% of households do not
treat their water. Another big distress over water is that Iraq
cannot use much of its groundwater due to the pollution as a result
of the continual growth in population.
Slide 12
Foreign Competition Iraq is currently involved in an argument
over the use of water from the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers.
Although they originate in Turkey, they are an important water
source for both Syria, and Iraq. All of these countries use both
the rivers for agricultural practices, hydroelectric power, and
industrialization. Besides these common uses of water, the Tigris
and Euphrates also serve a major role in supplying most of the
countries basic water supply. Due to the extremity of this
situation, the countries security systems are involved in the
Tigris Euphrates Dispute.
Slide 13
Water Strategic The Tigris Euphrates Dispute helped answer the
main question: Who is entitled to the water and how can downstream
countries be protected? An agreement was reached that Syria has to
give Iraq 58% of its water received from Turkey per year. This
resolution wont be in effect for long due to the fact Iraqs water
usage is predicted to increase by three times in ten years. All of
this and more are gaining much recognition from
political/socialists in the Middle Eastern Countries which is
leading to the study and focus of how we can make changes as well
as come to a compromise.
Slide 14
Water Action Plans Ideas Counteract Legal limit on number of
children Apply for higher percentage of water received from nearby
water sources/from surrounding countries Discover a way to begin
harboring rainwater; work towards a new freshwater source Affects
family, gender, and census statistics The application and
permission process would take too long for approval within Iraqs
government Climate affects the sanity of water (dust storms);
average rainfall varies widely
Slide 15
Water Action Plan Whole House Water Filter Unsafe drinking
water Health statistics Architectural practices Blueprint Home
improvement Connects to main water line and filters every source of
water.