Dams Researches and Water Resources Center

The Dams and Water Resources Research Center organized a scientific workshop on Monday, December 15, 2025, entitled:
“Dam Reservoir Management,”
as part of its scientific activities aimed at developing engineering knowledge in the management and operation of dams and water resources.

The workshop, chaired by Asst. Prof. Dr. Khalil Ibrahim Osman, addressed the scientific and engineering principles for calculating the storage capacities of dam reservoirs, which form the basis for determining dam heights, designing spillways, and regulating water discharges.

The workshop focused on key considerations for operating dam reservoirs, including allocation of stored water to meet civil, agricultural, industrial, and environmental demands.

It also covered operation during drought periods, including:

• Prioritizing water uses
• Regulating and reducing water releases
• Balancing water allocations for agricultural and industrial uses within maximum limits
• Maintaining emergency water reserves

Additionally, the workshop addressed flood operation procedures, such as:

• Calculating inflows to reservoirs
• Absorbing flood waves
• Regulating safe releases through dam outlets in accordance with the river channels’ capacity downstream, while maintaining safe reservoir levels

Under normal operating conditions, emphasis was placed on balancing inflows, outflows, and storage volumes throughout the year and adjusting operational levels based on overall water balance, ensuring the sustainability of water resources for various uses.

The workshop concluded with scientific discussions among participants on the application of these principles in the operation of Iraqi dams, aiming to enhance management efficiency and optimize the use of water resources.