The Occupancy Rate of Dams in Istanbul Increased to 39 Percent

According to Istanbul Water and Sewerage Administration (ISKI) data, the occupancy rate in dams, which dropped to 36.21 percent on September 27, has gradually increased in the last 6 days.

The occupancy rate in the dams that supply water to the city is measured at 39 percent today.

The occupancy rate is 55.82 percent in Ömerli, 60.12 percent in Darlık, 84.85 percent in Elmalı, 32.2 percent in Terkos, 36.52 percent in Alibey, 26.37 percent in Büyükçekmece, 20.63 percent in Sazlıdere, 19.48 percent in Istrancalar, 19.48 percent in Kazandere. It was calculated as 11.32 percent and 2.48 percent in Pabuçdere.

While the total accumulation volume of the dams and ponds supplying water to the city was 868 million 683 thousand cubic meters, the amount of available water was recorded as 338.85 million cubic meters.

In addition to the dams, a total of 545.78 million cubic meters of water was taken this year, 431 million from Melen, which provides water to the city, and 114.78 million cubic meters from Yeşilçay.

According to İSKİ statistics, as of October 3, the occupancy rates of dams in Istanbul are 44.76 percent in 2016, 56.12 percent in 2017, 55.45 percent in 2018, 48.27 percent in 2019, 36.4 percent in 2020, 50.51 percent in 2021. It was recorded as 47.88 percent in 2022, 23.49 percent in 2023, 37.64 percent in 2024, 27.81 percent in 2025 and 39.04 percent in 2026.

"There is an increase, albeit limited"

Istanbul Aydin University Dr. Lecturer and Meteorological Engineer Güven Özdemir, in his evaluation to the AA correspondent, said that the occupancy rate in the dams increased from 36 percent to 39 percent due to the effect of a few days of rain.

Stating that the increase in dams will continue if the rainy systems continue to be effective, Özdemir said, "There is an increase, albeit limited, after a few days of rain. The rains expected in the coming period will make a positive contribution to water reserves." he said.

Pointing out that consumption should be controlled in order to protect water resources, Özdemir emphasized the importance of citizens and institutions using water economically.

Özdemir explained that for the sustainability of the water reserve, it is necessary to reduce consumption as much as possible, otherwise there may be difficulties in supplying clean water, especially during dry periods.

Stating that Istanbul is expected to receive sufficient rainfall during the winter period, Özdemir said, "We expect the winter rainfall this year to contribute to water resources. The course of rainfall in the coming period will be decisive in terms of Istanbul's water resources." he said.

Özdemir stated that the city's water needs were supplemented by the Melen and Yeşilçay systems, and that these sources provide significant support for Istanbul's water supply security.

"We need to reduce consumption as much as possible"

Underlining that the daily water consumption in Istanbul does not fall below the level of 3 million cubic meters, Özdemir said, "Consumption reaches higher levels in the summer months. However, although we are approaching the autumn and winter period, our daily consumption is still at the level of 3 million cubic meters. We need to reduce this consumption as much as possible." made his assessment.

Pointing out that clean water should be used consciously in order to protect the city's water resources, Özdemir called for unnecessary consumption of drinking and utility water.

Özdemir stated that collecting and utilizing rainwater will contribute to the protection of resources, and added that clean water should not be used for purposes such as garden irrigation.