Cancellation Case of Drinking Water Basins Regulation from EGEÇEP and TMMOB in the Council of State
A stay of execution was requested on the grounds that the changes in the Regulation on the Protection of Drinking-Use Water Basins endangered water security.
Quick Look
EGEÇEP and TMMOB Chamber of Geological Engineers applied to the Council of State to cancel the new regulation dated August 4, 2026, on the grounds that it weakens the protection mechanisms in drinking water basins and opens the door to geothermal power plants.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The regulation published in the Official Gazette on August 4, 2026 made changes to the existing criteria for the protection of drinking water basins.
Aegean Environment and Culture Platform (EGEÇEP) Association, TMMOB Chamber of Geological Engineers and some citizens applied to the Council of State with a request to cancel and suspend the execution of the 'Regulation on Amendments to the Regulation on the Protection of Drinking-Use Water Basins', which was prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and came into force by being published in the Official Gazette on August 4, 2026.
It was stated in the statement that the new regulation weakened the existing protection mechanisms against the water crisis, and that with the change, groundwater was removed from the definitions of "drinking-use water" and "drinking-use water basin", the "drinking water safety plan" system was eliminated, and the obligation to prepare a protection plan for each basin was terminated and this decision was left to the Ministry.
In addition, it was noted that the regulation allows the establishment of geothermal power plants (GPP) in medium and long-distance protection areas of drinking-use water basins, and it was noted that leaks that may occur in production and reinjection wells carry the risk of polluting surface and groundwater. It was stated that the basin protection powers of metropolitan municipalities and water and sewerage administrations arising from the law were also weakened.
"WATER IS NOT JUST A NATURAL RESOURCE, IT IS LIFE ITSELF"
In the statement, it was emphasized that the prevention and precautionary principles of environmental law require taking precautions before damage occurs, and said, "Once a drinking water source is polluted, it is extremely difficult, and sometimes impossible, to restore it."
In the statement, which reminded the guarantees of human health and environmental protection in Articles 17 and 56 of the Constitution, "Water is not just a natural resource, it is life itself. Access to healthy and safe water is an integral part of the right to life and the right to live in a healthy environment. Drinking water basins are not areas that will be exposed to the risks of investment activities, but are our common assets that must be protected for the continuation of life."
In the statement, it was stated that the Council of State was requested to firstly suspend the execution, on the grounds that the implementation could lead to results that are difficult to reverse until the trial process is completed, and it was stated that "Protecting our water means protecting life."
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The Council of State examines the request for stay of execution.
Very likely · Within weeks
Open Questions
- When will the Council of State decide on the request for stay of execution?
