The current occupancy rates of dams that meet the water demand in Istanbul are at alarming levels. Data shared by İSKİ shows that there is currently only 171 million cubic meters of water in dams with a total capacity of 868 million cubic meters, and this corresponds to the lowest level in the same period of the last 10 years. This picture brings to the agenda the threat of drought and the need to urgently review water consumption habits.
As of November 23, 2025, water storage capacity is rapidly eroding; falling far below the current amount, experts say. urgent savings callpushed me to do it. Compared to previous years, it is noteworthy that dam occupancy remains at a low value of {2419.81%}; In the past, it was seen to be above 30.
Lowest among dams
Among the 10 dams that provide resources, the occupancy rates have dropped to the most critical level. KazandereAnd PabuçdereThere were dams. While Kazandere’s occupancy rate was 8.05% last year, it decreased to 1.7% this year. Pabuçdere decreased from 5.69% to 3.61%. Other important dams also saw significant declines:
- Sazlıdere: from 38.3% to 19.35%
- Terkos: from 35.74% to 21.97%
- Omerli: from 25.39% to 17.34%
Elmalı Dam is in a relatively higher position with approximately 50.05% occupancy; However, there is an alarming situation in the city’s main water resources.
Expert Opinion: Source of High Pressure and Drought
Faculty member of ITU Climate Science and Meteorological Engineering Department Prof. Dr. Hüseyin TorosWhile evaluating the main reasons for the drought, he emphasized the impact of the dry period in Southern and Western Anatolia. High pressure systemsBy blocking air masses that bring precipitation, it rapidly consumes existing water resources and increases evaporation. Temperatures above seasonal norms also accelerate the evaporation of water.
Solution Suggestions: Savings and Pricing
ITU’s expert estimates that daily consumption per person in Istanbul is approximately 200 litersHe states that it is around 100% and emphasizes that this level is not sustainable. For apartment entrances to increase savings pressure reducerattaching and economical faucet headsIt is recommended to use. The most ambitious suggestion is tiered pricingImplementation of price increases for water use through the system. Such an approach aims to encourage savings by maintaining the standard price for consumptions up to 100 liters, while gradually increasing the portions exceeding it. Stating that the rainfall in the future remains uncertain, Toros said that the most effective and permanent solution is social water saving awarenessstates that it is.
