Climate change, population boom push Türkiye toward freshwater shortage

Türkiye could face freshwater shortages in the future due to population growth and the impacts of climate change, according to the State Hydraulic Works (DSİ), the country’s main water authority.

The minimum threshold for sufficient water resources is 1,700 cubic meters per person per year. However, when accounting for Türkiye’s technically and economically available water potential of 112 billion cubic meters, the per capita figure stands at about 1,301 cubic meters annually, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

This suggests the country may face water scarcity in the coming years, making efficient and rational use of water resources increasingly important. Authorities also emphasize the need to assess water potential and improve multi-purpose usage of water systems.

In response, Türkiye plans modernization efforts across 25 hydrological basins. Additional measures include reducing losses in irrigation systems, improving drainage to protect soil quality, and transitioning from traditional open irrigation channels to modern closed pressurized pipeline systems.

By Jeyhun Aghazada