Saving the Tigris: River's source is being polluted

World
Europe

02:45

Iraq's massive Tigris River is not only critical for the livelihood of many who live along it, but is also a crucial resource for the whole of Iraq. But as water levels recede, and pollution and populations levels grow, the government is faced with a monumental crisis.

As the river runs down through the heart of Iraq, almost everybody has some connection with it. However, the environment along the river has been severely damaged and this is causing real concern for the local people.

FU XINRUI BAGHDAD "As you can see, all around me is garbage. And the water behind me, some of it is black, and the horrible smell has a reach of dozens of meters."

Nearby residents seem to have become used to this situation, often tossing their garbage and sewage into the river. Not far from here, on a boat ride, we discovered several places where polluted matter is emitted.

Many water facilities in Iraq have been destroyed in war. And the government has not done very much in terms of managing its resources. So after a four-month drought, part of the riverbed is actually visible, which means the self-cleansing mechanism is hardly functional. Despite that, the Tigris is still a major source of tap water in Baghdad.

SAUD ABDEL AZIZ ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF EAST WATER PROJECT, BAGHDAD "This facility was built beside the Tigris, pumping water from the river and sending it into the sedimentary pond. The water is then filtered, cleansed and sterilized with chlorine added to send into pipes."

Despite these procedures, the capital's tap water is still not completely safe for drinking. Most people use it for washing and irrigation, while bottled water is the preferred choice for consumption.

SAUD ABDEL AZIZ ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR OF EAST WATER PROJECT, BAGHDAD "The original plant has expanded to three. But the population in Baghdad is large and still growing. So more water will be consumed."

The East Water Project covers just one district of Baghdad and the capital is just one city along the Tigris -- a river which is critical to the lives of millions. A growing population, with decreasing water levels, and serious pollution issues leave the government in a precarious position.

BASSEM ALI SHAKERFERRYMAN ON TIGRIS "We hope the water levels can rise again so that the fish will come back. There should be supervision. That would be a nice thing to pray for."