THE GLOBAL WINDOW OF TURKISH FOOD AND AGRICULTURE The Global Window of Turkish Food and Agriculture Sector
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With a regulation issued by the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, rainwater harvesting and grey water systems have become mandatory in large-scale private and public buildings, effective January 1, 2026.
Grey water systems are now mandatory in accommodation facilities with a bed capacity exceeding 200, in shopping malls with a construction area exceeding 10,000 square metres, and in public buildings exceeding 30,000 square meters.
Türkiye is a country experiencing regional drought, where the impacts of climate change are increasing. Therefore, rainwater and grey water systems will play a crucial role in reducing demand and reducing pressure on water resources. Expanding rooftop water harvesting on an urban scale, particularly in regions that meet meteorological criteria, will reduce water withdrawals from the mains, which will in turn ease the burden on treatment plants and dams. The most important benefit of grey water systems is to save money on the mains supplying drinking and utility water to buildings, thus further protecting clean water systems. Furthermore, the use of grey water also reduces the burden on urban wastewater treatment systems.
The widespread use of rainwater harvesting and grey water systems will positively contribute to water demand management. Furthermore, making these systems mandatory will contribute to a positive shift in society’s perception of water and water usage habits. Consistent implementation of these systems will also contribute to raising awareness of the dwindling water resources and fostering public awareness of water resource conservation.
However, this regulation does not impose an automatic and general obligation on existing buildings.
If an existing building is undergoing renovations “close to new building status,” the municipality may require the installation of a rainwater and grey water system. Therefore, various incentives, support and grants are needed to implement these systems in existing buildings…
By Dursun Yıldız,
President of the Hydropolitics Academy (HPA)
