Serving as a spiritual head of a venerable gnostic faiths in the world, Sheikh Nidham Kreidi al-Sabahi must use water sourced directly from a running waterway, even for drinking.
“For our religion, the role of water is like air. In the absence of water, life wouldn’t exist,” remarks the sheikh.
The 68-year-old maintains that as long as the water is flowing, it is safe. However, the reality is that in the near future it could stop flowing at all.
A Waterway Under Threat
The renowned Tigris is heavily polluted and in danger of drying up. If immediate measures are not implemented to save the river, existence will be fundamentally altered for the ancient communities who live on its banks.
“All the life of Iraqis relies on the water. All the civilisation is rooted in the Tigris and Euphrates,” comments an environmental advocate.
Roots of the Crisis
The health of the river has been in decline for many years. Years of war and economic restrictions mean treatment systems has not been properly restored. Today, throughout the country, a large percentage of city residents remain unlinked to proper sewage treatment.
In addition to municipal waste, chemical fertilisers and oil sector pollution all find their way into the river. Scientific analyses have found the water in cities like Baghdad to be rated “poor” for use.
Diminishing Flows
The river has also dramatically shrunk in volume. Since the late 20th century, major hydroelectric projects in neighboring countries have substantially reduced the flow reaching Iraq. Within Iraq, water is often wasted, particularly by the farming industry, which is the primary user of river resources.
Changing weather patterns is exacting a heavy price. The region has experienced a significant decline in precipitation and is suffering through its most intense water shortage in decades.
A Controversial Agreement
In an attempt to address some issues, officials signed a cooperation mechanism with a northern country. This deal has been called an “resource-exchange” accord, as technical initiatives would be undertaken by foreign companies.
However, the deal has been widely condemned from environmentalists, who are concerned about the lack of detail and the risk of surrendering sovereignty over critical national assets.
“This is not a real deal right now,” commented a ex-policymaker of water resources. “It appears it’s more like campaign rhetoric.”
Threatened Traditions
Facing a disappearing river, community elders worry for the survival of ancient communities. Numerous families have left the country or resettled to other regions. The river’s disappearance could represent the definitive end for their presence in the homeland in the Mesopotamian heartland.