Eco
The Green Iraq Observatory revealed that drinking water produced by most water treatment projects and plants in Basra province is unfit for human consumption. A report by the Financial Oversight Bureau for the previous year indicated that drinking water in the province from 2021 to 2024 did not comply with the Iraqi drinking water standard No. (417), second amendment, issued by the Central Organization for Standardization and Quality Control, due to elevated levels of total dissolved solids (TDS) exceeding the approved Iraqi limit. The report also highlighted the presence of bacterial contamination in water samples taken from citizens' homes by health sectors and centers affiliated with the provincial health department. The report stressed the necessity for the Basra Water Directorate to take the required measures to ensure that water produced by water projects meets the Iraqi drinking water standard No. (417), second amendment. It pointed out the lack of fully equipped laboratories capable of conducting physical, chemical, and bacteriological tests in most water treatment projects, which violates Article (65/4) of the environmental criteria instructions for project establishment and monitoring their implementation safety. This deficiency results in reduced efficiency of routine monitoring of water quality produced by these projects. The Financial Oversight Bureau recommended providing fully equipped laboratories in all water treatment, sterilization, and desalination projects and plants, along with the necessary laboratory requirements to perform all tests comprehensively, ensuring effective monitoring and quality assurance of the produced water.
