Iraq's Tigris River, which runs through Baghdad, is suffering from extreme levels of pollution, raising alarm over environmental degradation and public health risks, new data out of the Middle Eastern country finds.

A new study by local media shows raw sewage flowing openly into the river near Al-Nahr Street area of the Iraqi capital running into the main source of water for agriculture further downstream. 

Scientific assessments have revealed that Baghdad’s sewage infrastructure is overwhelmed, treating less than half of the city’s daily wastewater output due to years of underinvestment from previous administrations and is heavily damaged by both the Iran-Iraq war and the US invasion of the country in 2003 and subsequent collapse of the state.

A recent study using international water quality standards found that water quality in Baghdad ranges from “fair” in the northern parts of the city to “very poor” downstream, with contamination levels worsening the further south the river flows.

The sources of pollution are extensive and chronic. In addition to domestic sewage, the Tigris is also being contaminated by waste from hospitals and medical facilities, which are dumping biological waste and hazardous materials directly into the river.

Across the Iraqi capital, industrial facilities and agricultural activity contribute significantly to the problem, with dangerous substances such as lead and cadmium being detected in alarming concentrations. 

The consequences have long been felt across Baghdad. Public health officials report rising waterborne illnesses, including severe gastrointestinal infections and skin diseases, only worsening with the increase in summertime temperatures in recent years, including summer 2025.

Hospitals in districts such as the majority Shi'ite and historically poor Sadr (previously Saddam) City see hundreds of patients daily with conditions directly linked to exposure to polluted water.

In more troubling cases, doctors have raised concerns about a possible link between the river’s contamination and an increase in colon cancer cases in some communities.

The continued pollution of the Tigris could accelerate this crisis dramatically. If untreated discharges persist, experts warn the river may soon become entirely unfit for human use, threatening agriculture, food security, and public health.

Despite the severity of the situation, the response from government agencies has been largely symbolic. While various ministries have acknowledged the issue, effective enforcement of environmental regulations remains absent. Baghdad’s iconic river, once a symbol of life and the heart of Mesopotamian civilisation, is being choked by unchecked pollution and official neglect.

Environmental advocates continue to urge Iraqi authorities to take urgent and comprehensive action. They stress the need for investment in modern water treatment systems, proper waste disposal for medical and industrial facilities, and enforcing environmental standards. Without immediate and sustained intervention, the Tigris risks