Rubber Dams Increase Surface Water Utilization Capacity

Babolsar – Deputy Minister for Water and Wastewater at the Energy Ministry, stressing the need for optimal use of surface water resources, said the development of rubber dams is one of the effective solutions for regulating river flow and meeting water needs.

According to Mehr reporter, Hamidreza Janbaz, during his visit to the Miandasht rubber dam in Babolsar city, on Thursday morning, referring to the limitation of water resources and the increase in the needs of different sectors, said: Utilizing the capacity of rivers and surface water resources should be prioritized in water resources management programs, and the principled management of surface flows can provide the basis for more effective use of existing water resources.

He stated that rubber dams are effective structures in the management of surface water resources, and added: These plans can be implemented in a shorter period of time than some large infrastructure projects, and can play an effective role in regulating the flow of rivers, storing water when needed, and meeting the needs of the agricultural sector.

The deputy minister of water and water supply, the minister of energy and the CEO of Iran Water Resources Management Company, continued: The implementation of quick-yielding projects suitable to the conditions of each region, along with large infrastructure projects, enables a faster response to local needs and plays a role in strengthening the sustainability of water supply.

Referring to the technical advantages of rubber dams, Janbaz stated: regulation of river flow, storage of surface water resources and providing the possibility of pumping and transferring water to downstream lands are among the capacities of these structures, which are especially important in the agricultural sector.

He also emphasized the necessity of developing rubber dams in vulnerable areas and said: In addition to implementing new projects, solving technical problems and improving the operating conditions of existing structures should also be considered. Providing the required credits and removing the barriers to exploitation can provide the basis for better use of the created capacities.

Miandasht Dam; Annual regulation capacity of 102 million cubic meters of water

Miandasht rubber dam is one of the water resource management infrastructures in Babolsar city, which was built with the aim of regulating and exploiting surface water and supplying the water needs of agricultural lands in the region.

This structure, with a height of 2 meters and 90 centimeters from the river bottom and a length of 60 meters, has a reservoir with a capacity of 700,000 cubic meters and has the capacity to regulate 102 million cubic meters of water annually. Also, the pumping station located upstream of the dam allows the use of regulated water.

According to the announced information, about one thousand hectares of agricultural land in the region is covered by this dam; An issue that shows the importance of proper use of this infrastructure in managing water resources and supporting agricultural activities in the region.

During this visit, the CEO of Mazandaran Regional Water Company, the representative of the people of Babolsar and Faridoonkanar in the Islamic Council, the governor of Babolsar and a group of managers and city officials were present.

In this visit, the technical condition of the Meandasht rubber dam, the issues related to the maintenance and operation of the structure and the need to provide the necessary funds to solve the problems and improve its performance were reviewed.

Development of storage infrastructure and regulation of surface water, along with proper maintenance of existing facilities, are among the solutions emphasized by water officials to increase the productivity of water resources and meet the needs of various sectors, especially agriculture.