ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Gomaspan Dam, the third largest dam in the Kurdistan Region, remains only 25% full despite a year of significant rainfall, raising questions among residents.
According to available data, the Kurdistan Region has 25 dams of varying sizes. This year, several have already overflowed, while others are nearing capacity. However, Gomaspan Dam stands out as an exception. Moreover, the dam currently holds about 22 million cubic meters of water. This represents just a quarter of its total capacity. Still, the water level has risen by more than 10 meters compared to last year.
Officials point to three main reasons for the low level. First, the dam’s large size plays a major role. Experts say it requires at least three consecutive years of heavy rainfall to reach full capacity. In addition, rainfall in the area has not yet met that threshold. This year, the region recorded around 900 millimeters of rain. However, consistent rainfall at similar levels over the next two years is needed for the dam to overflow.
Second, the dam relies entirely on rainfall. Unlike other dams, no rivers or tributaries feed into it. Therefore, water accumulation remains limited. Furthermore, the dam’s recent construction also affects its capacity. Since it is newly built, gaps and porous layers within the structure still absorb part of the stored water into the ground.
At the same time, Gomaspan Dam has a storage capacity of up to 87 million cubic meters of water, with a total potential collection of 115 million cubic meters of rainfall. Experts stress that the dam’s current level is expected at this stage. With continued rainfall over the coming years, water levels are likely to rise significantly.