Urgent Action Required: Oil Spillage in The Lesser Zab River

At Waterkeepers Iraq, we are faced once again with a stark reminder of our ongoing environmental challenges. A recent tragedy struck our cherished Lesser Zab River in Dukan when it became contaminated with oil. As staunch defenders of water integrity in Iraq and Kurdistan, we have tirelessly advocated for the installation of sewage treatment plants in residential areas. These critical infrastructures prevent harmful wastes from contaminating our water sources. However, the absence of such facilities continues to expose not only the Kurdistan Region but all of Iraq to environmental hazards.

Thanks to the prompt action of our volunteers and colleagues in Dukan, who provided immediate evidence through videos and photos, we have been able to document the severity of this incident. Our team personally visited the site, and the situation is dire. We journeyed by kayak from the Dukan Dam to Surqawshan, spanning over 11 kilometers, witnessing firsthand the devastating impact on aquatic life and the surrounding ecosystem. Tragically, the pollution has spread further downstream, continuing to wreak havoc.
The environmental repercussions of such incidents are profound. It has been scientifically validated that just one liter of oil can contaminate over one million liters of water. The interactions of hydrocarbons with chlorine in the water can also lead to the formation of carcinogenic substances, posing significant health risks to the community and wildlife - Abdulmuttalib Raafat Sarhat, Lecturer at Garmiyan University.