He demanded that scientists from these countries be included in the investigation of DU's dangers to humans. The delegates also traveled to the Al Wathba water treatment plant on the Tigris River. The plant serves 35 percent of Baghdad. It needs 10 metric tons of chlorine per month to properly clean the water. But only three metric tons per month are allotted.
Most illnesses seen in the hospitals are due to drinking improperly treated water.
The plant is deteriorating. Pumps and other equipment are badly in need of replacement. The Rostamia Sewage Treatment Plant is also on the Tigris. It was built in 1963 and is badly in need of an overhaul. Only 40 to 50 percent of the machinery and pumps work on any given day.