Kurdistan Region to Launch Major Water Recycling Project in Erbil

Erbil (Kurdistan24) – The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) is set to begin construction of a major water recycling project in Erbil in the coming weeks, aiming to address water scarcity, promote sustainability, and protect public health, according to a senior official.

Speaking to Kurdistan24 on Thursday, Mohammed Shukri, head of the KRG Board of Investment, said the Erbil water recycling project is one of the most ambitious and strategic initiatives the regional government has undertaken in the water management sector.

“This project will ensure that not a single drop of water in Erbil goes to waste,” Shukri stated. “Used water will be treated to a high standard and reused for landscaping and agriculture, reducing harmful impacts on citizens’ health.”

Shukri added that the recycled water will also be utilized in the city's upcoming greenbelt development project, which aims to expand urban green spaces and combat environmental degradation in the capital.

The project is not limited to Erbil. Shukri confirmed that plans are underway to implement a similar water recycling initiative in the Sulaymaniyah province, reinforcing the government’s long-term commitment to sustainable water management across the Kurdistan Region.

The Board of Investment head emphasized that under new policy guidelines, no residential development project will be approved unless it includes an integrated water treatment solution.

“This requirement has become a binding policy for all new investment projects,” Shukri said, noting that developers are given up to a year to install water treatment units or risk facing legal consequences. The KRG’s approach marks a shift toward prioritizing environmental infrastructure and resource efficiency as the region grapples with water stress, climate change, and rapid urban expansion.

The Erbil project is expected to serve as a model for future initiatives across the Kurdistan Region.