Studies, Current Approaches and Recommendations on Water Management in Turkey

"Water resources are under pressure in both quantity and quality due to climate change, rapid population growth and the resulting pollution and overabstarctions. Protecting water resources that are currently at risk is only possible with an efficient, rational and sustainable water management approach that will comply with rapidly changing ecological, social and economic dynamics. Climate impact assessments made for the current century show that water resources in Türkiye may decrease by up to 25 percent as a result of increasing temperatures and changing precipitation regimes. Considering the population growth and increasing consumption needs, it is obvious that the water should be used efficiently. In this direction, the Water Efficiency Campaign was initiated and efficiency measures and targets for all water users were introduced with the Water Efficiency Strategy Document and Action Plan within the Framework of Adaptation to the Changing Climate. Basin Scale Management Plans are prepared to protect water resources in terms of quality and quantity, and to manage risks such as floods and droughts before they turn into disasters. Drinking Water Basin Protection and Water Safety Plans are prepared to protect drinking waters. Work continues on quality monitoring, modeling and determination of measures to prevent eutrophication problems in stagnant waters where the effects of climate change are felt the most. In addition, research is carried out and measures are taken regarding the presence and possible sources of endocrine disrupting chemicals and microplastics in river basins, which threaten our water resources, ecosystem and human health."