The Iranian government cut internet access in the past week during protests in an impoverished province, according to an internet watchdog.

There were disruptions to internet access on cellphones from July 15-20, and the blockage knocked out approximately 3% to 4% of mobile data in Iran, the London-based NetBlocks announced Wednesday. The group said there were “widespread user reports of cellular network disruptions, consistent with a regional internet shutdown intended to control protests.”

The disruption came amid protests against a lack of clean drinking water that have been occurring for several days in oil-rich Khuzestan province in southwest Iran. Water levels in the region’s rivers are lower at present due to drought, but some locals also attribute the water issue to mismanagement. Activists said three people have been killed in the protests as security forces shoot at the demonstrators.

Internet cuts amid protests are not new in Iran. Islamic Republic authorities created an internet blackout in 2019 amid widespread anti-government protests in the country. The tactic proved successful, as the demonstrations subsequently died down.