While 2.2 billion people worldwide lack access to clean water, the risk of water poverty is also growing in Turkey with increasing population and climate crisis. Experts warn that water saving is vital for a sustainable future, emphasizing that the annual amount of water per capita in Turkey is expected to drop to 1,069 cubic meters by 2050.
Dr. İnci Karakaş, Lecturer, stating that small measures taken in daily life can provide significant savings, said, “By repairing leaky faucets, installing saving devices on faucet spouts, using water-saving showerheads, and opting for water and energy-efficient dishwashers and washing machines, tons of water can be saved. By not pre-washing and not running machines until they are full, by not letting water run unnecessarily during showering and teeth brushing, and by using dual-flush toilets, we can use water much more efficiently.”
Dr. İnci Karakaş, Lecturer and Assistant Director of the Health Sciences Institute at Üsküdar Üniversitesi Vocational School of Health Services (SHMYO), evaluated individual small measures for water saving due to September 18 Water Saving Day.
Turkey could become a water-scarce country
Dr. İnci Karakaş, Lecturer, stated that the importance of water has become more vital than ever today, saying, “Due to the limited and diminishing water resources, increasing drought, and global climate change, water saving has become more crucial in recent years. Water saving ensures a sustainable future and the protection of water resources. Water consumption increases every year with changing consumption habits and socioeconomic differences. Worldwide, 2.2 billion people do not have access to potable clean water. Four out of five people, especially those living in rural areas, cannot access drinking water. The 'Clean Water and Sanitation' goal (SDG-6) from the Sustainable Development Goals aims to ensure access to clean water for everyone. Although our country is in the category of water-stressed countries, with the increasing population, the annual amount of usable water per capita is expected to drop to 1,200 cubic meters in 2030, 1,116 cubic meters in 2040, and 1,069 cubic meters in 2050. These figures indicate that our country could become a water-scarce nation.”
What do water stress and water poverty mean?
Dr. İnci Karakaş, Lecturer, stated that “water stress” refers to the limitation of water use due to demand exceeding the available amount or low water quality during a specific period, adding, “Water stress causes the quantity of water resources to change due to overuse and their quality to change with the resulting pollution. It is believed that the increasing population as a result of climate change will significantly increase water stress in the coming years. Water poverty, on the other hand, is determined by the annual amount of water per capita. Countries with at least 10,000 m3 of water per capita annually are considered water-rich; countries with between 3,000 and 10,000 m3 are considered to have sufficient water; countries with between 1,000 and 3,000 m3 are considered water-stressed; and countries with less than 1,000 m3 are designated as water-poor.”
Big Savings with Simple Measures
Dr. İnci Karakaş, Lecturer, stating that small measures taken in daily life can provide significant savings, continued as follows:
“Toilet cisterns have a water storage capacity of 16 liters. A family of 4 consumes 7 tons of water per month in the toilet with a 16-liter cistern. By using toilet cisterns with a smaller water volume, such as 7 liters, it is possible to reduce water consumption to 2.5-3 tons. If the toilet cistern is 16 liters, water consumption can be reduced by 20% by filling 1.5-liter plastic bottles and placing them in the cistern. While an average of 15-20 liters of water flows per minute from classic showerheads, 9-10 liters of water flows per minute from low-flow, water-saving showerheads. Thus, less water can be consumed during a 5-minute shower. 30-40% water saving is possible with low-flow, water-saving showerheads. An average of 15-35 liters of water can be saved by turning off the tap while brushing teeth and washing face.”
Areas where most water is consumed in homes
Emphasizing that most of the water in homes is wasted in the bathroom, toilet, and for cleaning, Dr. İnci Karakaş, Lecturer, said, “In homes, 35% of water is used in the bathroom, 30% in the toilet, 20% for washing clothes and dishes, 10% in the kitchen, and 5% for cleaning purposes. By keeping the tap closed while brushing teeth and washing face, 15-35 liters of water can be saved daily. During showering, while waiting for the water to heat up, collecting the water in a basin and using it for cleaning provides savings. Washing machines and dishwashers consume an average of 40 liters of water per wash. Significant water savings are possible by fully loading machines and opting for short programs. In the kitchen, vegetables and fruits should not be washed under running water; instead, they should be washed in a basin, and this water can then be used for watering flowers and gardens. It is also of great importance to repair faulty faucets and identify and fix areas with water leaks.”
50% Savings with Drip Irrigation in the Garden
Dr. İnci Karakaş, Lecturer, reminded that water can be used more efficiently in garden and balcony irrigation, and offered the following suggestions:
“Water loss is prevented by preferring drip irrigation systems where water directly reaches plant roots. With drip irrigation systems, up to 50% water savings are achieved, the soil receives as much water as it needs, and the growth of weeds is prevented because only targeted plants are watered. Furthermore, to prevent water losses due to evaporation, it is important to irrigate in the evening. This way, the soil will absorb water better, and unnecessary water use will be prevented. Significant water savings are also achieved by choosing drought-resistant plants.”
Small Steps Make a Big Difference
Underlining that water saving can create a significant impact at the societal level with individual measures, Dr. İnci Karakaş, Lecturer, concluded her words as follows:
“It is important to create awareness on a mass scale for the efficient use of water. Special days like March 22 World Water Day and September 18 Water Saving Day help create awareness about protecting water resources and saving water, and emphasize the importance of water. This way, awareness is created in society, and water is used more efficiently. By repairing leaky faucets, installing saving devices on faucet spouts, using water-saving showerheads, and opting for water and energy-efficient dishwashers and washing machines, tons of water can be saved. Furthermore, by not pre-washing and not running machines until they are full, by not letting water run unnecessarily during showering and teeth brushing, and by using dual-flush toilets, we can use water much more efficiently.”
