Rising Euphrates waters take Anbar water plant offline

ANBAR, Iraq — The Baguz water treatment plant in Qaim district was taken out of service after water levels in the Euphrates River rose, driven by increased releases from Turkey, according to local officials on Tuesday. Samim Salam Abu Furat, head of the Euphrates Environment Center, said the plant is located at the far edge of the Iraq-Syria border. Qaim district administrator Turki Mohammed said the water reached the intake structure, but the plant continued operating after the pumps were raised. Mohammed said technical teams are monitoring the water situation continuously and have taken the necessary precautions. Water plants and other structures along the Euphrates in western Anbar are being closely watched because of the river’s rise.