If Turkey Does Not Protect Its Water, It May Face an Irreversible Crisis in the Future
March 22 is recognized as World Water Day each year to highlight the importance of water and raise awareness about water conservation. On this occasion, public awareness campaigns are carried out globally. Prof. Dr. Bestami Özkaya, Vice Rector of Istinye University and Faculty Member of the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, shared his views on the growing global water crisis and issued warnings about necessary precautions. According to the information provided by Özkaya, 2.2 billion people worldwide still lack access to safe drinking water. Emphasizing that water conservation is a responsibility shared by individuals and governments alike, Özkaya outlined the measures that can be taken to save water. Providing insights into Turkey’s water situation, he warned, “If we do not protect our water, we may face an irreversible crisis in the future.”
2.2 Billion People Still Lack Access to Safe Drinking Water
Prof. Dr. Bestami Özkaya provided striking facts about the global water crisis:
“The 30th Human Development Report, published by UNDP in 2020, highlights these realities with striking data, incorporating environmental factors into human development for the first time. The report states that humans have created their own system instead of following nature’s order, leading to the depletion of natural resources beyond their self-renewal capacity. Rapid population growth and the effects of climate change are seriously threatening water resources. Currently, 2.2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, which accounts for approximately 28% of the global population. Additionally, 3.5 billion people lack access to safely managed sanitation services. Nearly 50% of the world’s population experiences severe water scarcity. Around 20% of the world’s river basins are undergoing rapid changes in surface water levels due to climate change, leading to increased occurrences of floods and droughts. In the past 50 years, glacier mass has declined at a record rate, posing a significant threat to freshwater resources. Water-related disasters account for more than 90% of all disaster-affected individuals and 95% of infrastructure losses. These figures highlight the critical state of the world’s water resources. The COP29 Declaration underscores water's central role in combating climate change.”
85% of Wetlands Have Disappeared in the Last 300 Years
Prof. Dr. Özkaya stressed the importance of protecting clean water sources for several key reasons:
“Clean water sources are essential for both human health and the sustainability of ecosystems. Access to safe drinking water is a fundamental human right. Contaminated water spreads diseases such as cholera and typhoid, causing approximately 485,000 deaths annually. The preservation of water resources is crucial for ecosystem stability. Water sources are vital for the continuity of both freshwater and marine ecosystems. Water pollution and excessive use threaten biodiversity—85% of the world’s wetlands have disappeared in the past 300 years. Additionally, water is the foundation of agriculture. Globally, agriculture accounts for 70% of total water usage. Water scarcity directly impacts food production, increasing the risks of hunger and malnutrition. Furthermore, water is indispensable for industries such as energy production, manufacturing, and tourism. A lack of water can hinder economic growth and exacerbate poverty. The COP29 Declaration highlights the importance of water conservation in both climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies.”
Turkey Faces a Serious Water Crisis
Assessing Turkey’s water situation, Özkaya warned:
“With its growing population and the effects of climate change, Turkey is facing a serious water crisis. The country’s per capita available water is expected to decline to 1,200 cubic meters by 2030 and 1,069 cubic meters by 2050, placing Turkey in the category of water-scarce nations. Among Turkey’s 25 river basins, only nine do not experience water stress. Four basins face an absolute scarcity risk, five are at a scarcity level, and seven experience water stress. Particularly in basins such as Marmara, Gediz, and Büyük Menderes, water resources have exceeded their self-renewal capacity.”
Water Pollution Has Become a Major Issue
Prof. Dr. Özkaya also highlighted the growing problem of water pollution:
“In regions with intensive agriculture, industry, and urbanization, water pollution has become a serious issue. Wetlands such as Eğirdir Lake, Tuz Lake, and the Gediz Delta are under pollution threats. To protect and use water resources efficiently, it is crucial to adopt modern irrigation methods, implement wastewater recycling, and introduce nature-based solutions. In Turkey, 73% of freshwater is used for agriculture, yet the widespread use of flood irrigation results in inefficient water use and soil erosion. Transitioning to modern irrigation systems can enhance agricultural efficiency while conserving water. In industrial and urban areas, wastewater recovery projects and measures to prevent water losses are of great importance. Solutions like rainwater harvesting can help diversify water resources and mitigate drought risks. While Turkey has taken steps in water policy reforms through basin-based management plans and the Water Council’s decisions, achieving sustainable water management requires further efforts. If we fail to protect our water, we may face an irreversible crisis in the future.”
Water Conservation Is a Shared Responsibility
Prof. Dr. Özkaya emphasized that everyone, from governments to individuals, has a role to play in water conservation:
“Governments should adopt Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) strategies to ensure the sustainable management of water resources. They should support nature-based solutions (NbS) such as wetland restoration and rainwater harvesting. Developing early warning systems for droughts and floods is essential. Additionally, monitoring water quality and preventing pollution must be prioritized. Businesses should invest in water-saving technologies within their production processes and promote wastewater treatment and reuse. In the agricultural sector, drip irrigation and other water-efficient techniques should be encouraged. Individuals can also contribute by using water-efficient appliances at home, preventing waste, and utilizing rainwater for irrigation. Urban planning should integrate water conservation measures as well.”
Technology Can Offer Solutions, but It Comes with Challenges
Prof. Dr. Özkaya pointed out that technology can be both a solution and a challenge in water conservation:
“The COP29 Declaration highlights water’s critical role in climate action and calls for concrete steps toward global water security. The declaration emphasizes international cooperation to protect water resources, prevent water-related disasters, and promote water conservation. Platforms like the Baku Water Dialogue aim to sustain global water-related climate action. The UNDP 2020 Human Development Report warns that human dominance over nature is pushing planetary boundaries beyond their limits. Innovative technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and big data can provide opportunities for improved water management. These technologies can enhance efficiency in areas such as leakage prevention, water quality monitoring, and drought management. However, AI models require substantial cooling during training, leading to high water consumption. For instance, training a single AI model can consume significant amounts of water. This highlights the importance of responsible technological use alongside its potential benefits. The future of water security will depend on policies aligned with nature and the smart integration of technology. Let us remember: Water is not just a resource—it is the essence of life.”