2024-03-03 INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT 2024 40(卷), 2(期), (234-251页)
This study examines the influence of human activities and climate variability on 86 dams and hydropower across Iran. The term 'mirage water' is introduced to estimate the impact of these factors on inflow. Data analysis shows that out of 1729 m(3)s(-1) of mirage water, 705 m(3)s(-1) are contributed by anthropogenic activities and 1024 m(3)s(-1) by precipitation deficits. This indicates that some parts of Iran's strategic investments in water resources management over the past 60 years have failed. The study underscores the necessity for enhanced management practices and infrastructure investments to ensure sustainable water resources in arid and semi-arid regions.