Continuing its efforts to minimize the effects of the global climate crisis and combat drought, the Izmir Metropolitan Municipality İZSU General Directorate has reduced the loss-leakage level from 2000 percent in 60 to 27 percent thanks to years of drinking water line work. In 2024, 151 kilometers of drinking water lines were renewed, while 507 kilometers of new drinking water networks were laid. It was emphasized that new water resources were created to ensure the future of the city, existing resources were protected and wastewater was utilized, and a call was made for the efficient use of water.
The Izmir Metropolitan Municipality is carrying out important work to prevent possible water shortages due to global warming and drought and to ensure that citizens in all settlements have equal access to healthy water. Creating new water sources that will guarantee the future of the city, protecting existing sources and evaluating wastewater, the local government of Izmir has significantly prevented water losses by renewing over 2024 kilometers of drinking water network in 150. While the water shortage experienced especially in the summer months in the surrounding settlements was solved, new wells were opened. Drinking water networks and water tanks were renewed and citizens were provided with healthy water. IZSU officials reminded that they have taken short, medium and long-term measures in order to meet the city's water needs for many years.
“Let’s use water sparingly”
Stating that they are focusing on water saving and creating new water resources in line with scientific studies and research in İzmir, which is at the top of the list of cities that will be affected by global climate change, İZSU officials said that İzmir Metropolitan Municipality designs and implements major and pioneering environmental projects not only on a national scale but also on a global scale. Emphasizing the importance of the studies carried out by the İZSU General Directorate on collecting and disposing of used water and rainwater, recycling, delivering drinking water to citizens in a safe and healthy way, preventing pollution of water resources and sea, lake and river shores by domestic and industrial factors, and spreading the concept of sustainable water management in İzmir, the officials continued as follows:
“The drought caused by global warming is the greatest threat the world is facing. Water is becoming increasingly more critical all over the world and for this reason, ‘sustainable, smart water management’ is coming to the forefront. Our new investments continue, but we must use our limited resources in the most effective way. With the measures we take and the additional water resources we create, we are making exemplary efforts to prevent water shortages in our city. However, using water sparingly should be a way of life for everyone. We always invite our citizens of Izmir to use water sparingly.”
What is İZSU doing against the threat of global warming?
Between 2024 and 2025, a new drinking water network of 507 kilometers was constructed.
New water sources were created by opening additional water wells, and water tanks were renewed.
In order to prevent water leaks, old type meters were renewed and unbillable water losses were prevented.
Using the SCADA system, drinking water resources and facilities in the city can be monitored from a control center via a computer. The isolated meter zones created are monitored remotely, the pressure in the drinking water network is controlled, and water losses are reduced through fault detection and troubleshooting efforts.
The level of loss and leakage, which was 2000 percent in 60, has decreased to 27 percent thanks to the drinking water line works that have been going on for years. In this context, 2024 km of drinking water lines were renewed in 151 and loss and leakage were reduced. These works will continue unabated in 2025.
İZSU General Directorate inspects domestic, industrial, agricultural and livestock facilities and ensures that the necessary precautions are taken. Illegal structures are detected, and inspections are carried out for demolition in areas where construction is prohibited.
With Basin Protection Plans, water basins are protected with scientific data.
In line with the Izmir Drinking Water Master Plan Report prepared by IZSU for the target year 2050, protocol studies are ongoing between IZSU and DSI for the construction of the Düvertepe, Başlamış, Çamlı, Değirmendere and Bostanlı dams.
Work is underway to open the Güzelbahçe and Buca wells for use. New wells are being opened in Göksu, Sarıkız and Halkapınar, providing the city with additional water resources.
Izmir's current water resources
İZSU General Directorate provides the city with over 307 million cubic meters of water per year. İZSU has drinking water treatment plants with a treatment capacity of 586 million cubic meters per year and 15 conventional and 40 package treatment plants. 59 percent of İzmir’s drinking water needs are met by underground water resources in Göksu, Sarıkız, Çavuşköy, Halkapınar, Pınarbaşı, Sarnıç and various areas. In addition, 13 dams and ponds meet the remaining 41 percent.
