THE GLOBAL WINDOW OF TURKISH FOOD AND AGRICULTURE The Global Window of Turkish Food and Agriculture Sector
Related Articles
Dams in Türkiye’s western province of Izmir, particularly Tahtalı Dam, are experiencing significant decreases in water levels. Tahtalı Dam, which serves as the main water source for the city, has reached the lowest occupancy rate in recent years, standing at 15.44 percent. Other dams in the region, including Balçova, Ürkmez, Güzelhisar, Gördes, and Alaçatı Kutlu Aktaş, are also seeing notable declines.
Experts, such as Professor Dr. Doğan Yaşar from the Turkish Academy of Sciences (TÜBA), have expressed concerns about an impending severe drought during the summer. Underground water levels are decreasing at an alarming rate, with the depth needed to draw water from wells reaching 500 metres. This situation serves as a stark warning of the urgent need to address the water crisis in Izmir region.
‘COMPANIES SHOULD EMPLOY HYDROLOGICAL EXPERTS’
Emphasising that water management should be based on scientific criteria, Yaşar stated that hydrogeological experts should be employed in water distribution companies.
“Water management cannot be done randomly. If we do not act based on scientific data, we may face much bigger crises,” Dr. Yaşar said.
On the other hand, Dr. Yaşar reminded that Izmir is one of the cities using the most expensive water in Türkiye and added, “Water saving has become compulsory and people of Izmir should use water carefully.”
