As Turkey entered the 2027 water year in October, the highest rainfall rates recorded since the 1960s were achieved.
While drought and heat waves were effective across Europe, Türkiye received 75 percent more rainfall compared to the same period last year and around 30 percent more rainfall than the long-term average.
This increase has greatly alleviated the drinking water crisis experienced in metropolitan cities and tourism centers.
"AS OF TODAY, THE FULL RATE OF OUR DAMS IN ISTANBUL IS 38.3 PERCENT"
Prof. Dr. Ceyhun Özçelik used the following statements:
"As of October, we have entered the 2027 water year. While drought and heat waves occurred in most of Europe during the last water year, Turkey received serious rainfall during this period and faced record rainfall figures. There is an increase in precipitation of around 75 percent compared to the previous year, and around 30 percent compared to the long-term average, which represents the highest precipitation figure observed since the 1960s.
Again, in the past period, there were great difficulties in providing drinking water in most of the metropolitan cities in our country due to the effects of drought and most of our reservoirs dried up. As of today, the occupancy rate of our dams in Istanbul has reached 38.3 percent, the occupancy rate of our dams in Ankara has reached 38.3 percent and the occupancy rate of our dams in Izmir has reached 39.4 percent. "In Bodrum, this figure is around 70 percent."
'THERE IS A 5-FOLD INCREASE IN THE WATER LEVEL IN TAHTALI DAM'
Prof. evaluated the water situation in Izmir. Dr. Özçelik said, "Almost all dams in Izmir had dried up in the last year. The two most important dams here are Tahtalı Dam and Gördes Dam. The amount of water in Tahtalı and Gördes dams has increased significantly. The amount of water in Tahtalı Dam has increased 5 times compared to last year. There is an increase of 500 percent. There is also a significant amount of water in Gördes Dam. Currently, the occupancy rate is around 30 percent. In total "We have 331 million cubic meters of water. When we consider it together with groundwater, it is well above the total annual need of 330 million cubic meters. Izmir should use this period effectively and make the necessary plans to meet the city's drinking water needs with the coming rains in the coming period," he said.
'THERE ARE A TOTAL OF 62 MILLION CUBIC METERS OF RESERVES IN THE DAMS IN BODRUM'
Prof. also touched upon the water situation in Bodrum district of Muğla. Dr. Ceyhun Özçelik said:
"Bodrum has been struggling with the effects of drought for a long time. Last year, both Mumcular Dam and Geyik Dam were completely dry. As of today, there is 62 percent occupancy in Mumcular Dam and 69 percent occupancy in Geyik Dam. Akgedik Dam, which provides drinking water to Milas, has 76 percent occupancy.
When necessary, drinking water can be supplied to Bodrum from here. We have a total reserve of 62 million cubic meters. When we consider groundwater together, Bodrum's drinking water needs are 38 million cubic meters per year. There is a 70 percent occupancy rate in Bodrum.
However, Bodrum has major problems in water delivery rather than water supply. "We hope that by preventing drinking water transmission line bursts, Bodrum's water needs will be met with the coming winter rains."
EFFECTIVE USE WARNING IN ISTANBUL
Prof. Dr. In his assessment of Istanbul, Özçelik said, "Istanbul had a water shortage as a result of the rainfall in recent years. The occupancy rates of Terkos and Büyükçekmece Dam, the two most important dams on the European Side, are around 32 percent and 28 percent, respectively. On the Asian Side, the occupancy rate in Ömerli and Darlık Dams is over 50 percent. The total amount of water in our dams is around 332 million cubic meters. This includes Melen and Darlık Dams. "When we include the approximately 600 million cubic meters of water coming from Yeşilçay regulators, this corresponds to a net water volume of 932 million cubic meters. This is below the total annual water need of 1.2 billion cubic meters. It gives us important signals that we need to use our water resources effectively in Istanbul in the coming period," he said.
'OCCUPANCY RATE IN ANKARA INCREASED BY 216 PERCENT'
Prof. also gave information about the occupancy in Ankara. Dr. Ceyhun Özçelik said:
"The occupancy rate in Ankara has increased significantly. There is an increase in the occupancy rate by 216 percent compared to last year. As you may remember, the city's drinking water supply is tried to be met with the water coming from the Çamlıdere Dam, Kesikköprü and Kurtboğazı Dam systems in Ankara.
Don't let the occupancy rate here fool you; Our total storage volume in Ankara is quite high, approximately 1.45 billion cubic meters. Even at this occupancy rate, there is a significant amount of water in the city. We currently have a water volume of approximately 557 million cubic meters. It is at a level that will adequately meet the annual need of 430 million cubic meters.
We need to use this effectively and plan Ankara's drinking water supply in a disciplined manner, together with the future rains during the water year. Of course, if you remember, the problem here is not only the amount of water in the dams, but also the ability to deliver water to the city. "In case of any malfunction in the lines coming from Kurtboğazı, Çamlıdere and Kesikköprü, the city will not face water shortage again."
