Detecting Water Leaks in Iraq

Down through the centuries, and up to the present day, the Tigris and Euphrates rivers were and remain Iraq’s primary sources of water.

Today, due to climate change effects and resulting cross-border tensions, the water level in the Tigris river drops drastically which may further affect the largest cities throughout the country. According to the latest report from the U.N.’s International Organization for Migration, Iraq faces an unprecedented water crisis, which might have further implications at the humanitarian, socioeconomic and security levels. In addition, increasing temperatures and reduced annual rainfall make the situation even more critical.

In the city of Dohuk, in the junction of the borders of Iraq, Turkey and Syria within the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, drinking water depends much on the river. The city is home to more than 1 million people and expands rapidly with new districts and its suburbs adding a further burden on the city’s outdated water infrastructure. In Dohuk, Action Against Hunger coordinates a number of emergency and development projects aimed at maintaining sustainable levels of water resources.

Water Leaks Can Harm Infrastructure and Public Health

The challenge of water management and conservation is widespread in the region. A great number of water supply is lost due to visible and underground water leaks. Obsolete water supply network can further affect water quality and even cause public health risks as contaminants can enter the pipe through leaks openings.

In Dohuk, an estimated 40% of all water passing through the city network is simply lost through breaks in the pipeline and yet repair works are often inefficient and expensive due to difficulties pinpointing the exact location of the leaks. As part of local Water Management Strategy and in collaboration with Aquassistance, ACF mission in Iraq elaborated a ‘Leak Detection’ innovative project aimed at reducing water losses in the Dohuk city water distribution network and ensuring equal access to water for all. Benefits of precise leak detection are far reaching as it allows to save more water, energy and reparation costs, and consequently to reduce risk of contamination and potential property damage.

“We worked hand in hand with local engineers and Aquassistance’s technical experts to transfer knowledge, technology and best practices in detecting, mapping, prioritizing and finally repairing leakages in the system. The scale of the problem is huge and equally complex. However, collective action, increased funding and awareness campaign among the public at large will have a positive impact over time”, explained Asmaa Farooq, Program Manager in Water and Sanitation at Action Against Hunger in Dohuk.