Turkey's water reservoirs decreased to 42%, causing significant water scarcity in major cities.
In the heart of summer 2025, Turkey is grappling with a severe water crisis. The country's major urban centres, including Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir, are at risk of serious shortages due to a drastic reduction in dam reservoir levels.
The situation in Istanbul is not ideal, with the dam fullness rate dropping from 54.9% last year to 48.1% this year, leaving about a four-month supply of drinking water. Ankara, on the other hand, has experienced a sharper decline, with dam storage falling from 32.8% last year to just 9.3%, leaving roughly three months of supply. Izmir's dam fullness rate has plunged from 13.2% to only 4.1%, corresponding to about two months of drinking water capacity left.
Nationwide, the total active storage in operational dams has decreased from 49.8 billion cubic meters last year to 39.8 billion cubic meters, reflecting a substantial loss in overall water reserves. This decline is linked to Türkiye's driest summer in over 50 years and an unprecedented heat wave, which exacerbated water demand and evaporation rates.
The water crisis extends beyond the largest cities. In eastern cities like Elazig, dams such as Hamzabey have completely dried up, leading to interruptions in water supply despite previous assurances of long-term security. Antalya faces critical shortages with major reservoirs under 5% capacity and natural springs under pressure.
The government is responding with infrastructure investments to boost water storage and management capabilities up to 2050. However, experts emphasize the urgent need for better water usage policies and coordination across agencies. The DSI (General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works) advises repairing leaking taps, reducing shower times, and avoiding food waste to conserve water resources.
The DSI also warns against pouring used cooking oil, expired medicines, or chemicals into sinks or toilets. They are encouraging limiting agricultural water demand to preserve resources. The DSI has not provided specific measures to address the low reservoir capacity in major cities or information on how the water year's rainfall has affected Izmir or Ankara.
Over the past five years, August's reservoir capacity has fluctuated, with the figure being 52.9% in 2024 before declining this year. Rainfall during the water year (October 1, 2024, to August 12, 2025) was below average, falling 27.7% compared to the previous year.
As the situation remains critical, it is crucial for the government and citizens to work together to conserve water and ensure the sustainability of this essential resource for the future.
- The cities of Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir in Turkey, among others, are grappling with water shortages due to a severe decline in dam reservoir levels.
- Experts suggest adopting better water usage policies and coordination across agencies as a critical measure to alleviate the ongoing water crisis in Turkey.
- The Turkish government's response to the water crisis includes investments to boost water storage and management capabilities, as well as public warnings against disposing of harmful substances into sinks or toilets.
- Turkey has been experiencing extended periods of drought, with the water year's rainfall being below average, contributing to the nationwide water crisis and the depletion of dam reserves.
