Iraqi environmental group says most Basra drinking water fails national safety standard

BAGHDAD, Iraq — An environmental group called Iraq Green Observatory says most drinking water produced at treatment plants in Basra does not meet national requirements, citing findings drawn from a Federal Audit Bureau report covering 2021 to 2024. According to the group's statement, the city treated water exceeds the permitted limit for dissolved salts set by Iraqi drinking water standard 417. Samples taken by units under the Basra Health Directorate from residents' homes also showed bacterial contamination in some cases. Iraq Green Observatory said the Federal Audit Bureau had called on the Basra Water Directorate to take the steps needed to bring produced water into compliance with the existing standard. The group noted that most treatment facilities in the city lack a fully equipped laboratory capable of conducting physical, chemical and bacteriological analysis, weakening regular oversight of water quality. The audit report also recommended the establishment of comprehensive laboratories at all treatment, disinfection and desalination plants in Basra, the group said. No further details on the response from local authorities were immediately available.