Üsküdar University SHMYO Environmental Health Program Head Asst. Prof. Ahmet Adiller made statements regarding the impact of climate change, unconscious water use, and increasing pressure on water resources on the water crisis, especially in Turkey, within the scope of September 18 World Water Monitoring Day.
Water crisis; also threatens food, economy, ecosystem, and public health!
Stating that when we talk about a water crisis, we usually think of water outages in cities, Asst. Prof. Ahmet Adiller said, “However, the situation is not that simple. The decrease in the quantity and quality of water resources can affect almost every area of life, from access to drinking and utility water to agricultural production, food prices, industry, and energy production.”
Reminding that our country is among those experiencing water stress, Asst. Prof. Adiller said, “Considering population growth and the effects of climate change, the pressure on existing resources is expected to increase further in the future. The real risk is that droughts experienced periodically turn into permanent water insecurity. In addition to the decrease in dam occupancy rates, a decrease in groundwater levels, difficulties in agricultural production, loss of wetlands, and deterioration of water quality may occur. Therefore, the future water crisis is not just a ‘water quantity’ problem; it will also be a food, economic, ecosystem, and associated public health problem.”
Climate change makes Turkey's water resources more sensitive!
Stating that Turkey is located within the Mediterranean Basin, which is highly sensitive to the effects of climate change, Asst. Prof. Adiller said, “With climate change, rising temperatures, increased evaporation, changes in precipitation regimes, and longer and more severe dry periods put serious pressure on our water resources. Scientific assessments indicate that the severity of drought and the risk of water scarcity will increase in our geography, and the feeding of rivers and groundwater by annual precipitation will decrease.”
Noting that when and how precipitation occurs is as important as the total amount of precipitation, Asst. Prof. Adiller continued his words as follows:
“Heavy rain falling in a short time on a region that has not received precipitation for a long time does not mean that water resources are adequately fed. Such precipitation can turn into more surface runoff, erosion, and floods. In contrast, a decrease in regular precipitation makes it difficult to feed the soil and groundwater reserves.
This therefore the picture presented by climate change for Turkey should not be limited to the phrase ‘less precipitation’. A more accurate expression is: a warmer climate, increased evaporation, more irregular precipitation, more frequent and severe droughts, and consequently, more sensitive water resources. Turkey's 2026–2035 National Water Plan also includes adaptation to changing climate conditions and efficient use of water resources among its main priorities.”
Turkey's water problem cannot be solved by individual saving alone!
Referring to the most common mistakes made when saving water in daily life, Asst. Prof. Adiller said, “The most common mistake is to see water saving as merely ‘turning the tap a little less’. Of course, leaving the tap running while brushing teeth, taking unnecessarily long showers, running washing machines or dishwashers for small amounts and frequently, and washing cars and balconies with a hose create significant unnecessary consumption. However, unnoticed small leaks can also lead to significant water loss if they continue for a long time.”
Asst. Prof. Adiller also pointed out that irrigating gardens during hot hours is one of the common mistakes. “A significant portion of the water given during irrigation done in hours of high evaporation can be lost before reaching the plant. Controlled irrigation done in the early morning or evening hours, according to the plant's needs, is much more efficient. Another important mistake is to think that potable quality tap water should be used for every use. In buildings with appropriate systems, rainwater or treated greywater can be utilized in areas that do not require drinking water quality, such as landscape irrigation and reservoirs. Turkey's Water Efficiency Strategy also aims to widespread rainwater harvesting, greywater, and reuse of used waters,” he explained.
Underlining that it is not correct to reduce Turkey's water problem solely to citizens shortening their shower times, Asst. Prof. Adiller emphasized that according to DSI data, a large part of the water used in our country is used for irrigation. Therefore, while individual saving culture must be developed, large-scale transformation is also needed in areas such as agricultural irrigation, network losses, and water efficiency in industry.
Groundwater should be seen as a limited strategic natural resource, not a 'backup reservoir'!
Asst. Prof. Adiller pointed out that groundwater can often be perceived as an inexhaustible resource because it is not visible. “However, since groundwater is naturally replenished by water seeping through the soil as a result of precipitation, groundwater levels continuously drop when more water is extracted. The first consequence of this is that well water levels sink deeper, some wells become unusable, and more energy is expended to extract water,” he said.
However, Asst. Prof. Adiller stated that in detailed evaluations, environmental consequences can be much more severe. “In some geological conditions, ground settlement and collapses can occur. In coastal areas, excessive groundwater extraction can lead to the advancement of seawater into freshwater sources, i.e., saltwater intrusion. This scenario can, in some cases, cause an extremely difficult-to-reverse water quality and ecosystem problem. Therefore, groundwater should be seen not as a ‘backup reservoir’ but as a limited strategic natural resource. Measuring extraction, inspecting wells, and keeping the extracted amount in each basin consistent with the natural replenishment capacity is of great importance,” he stated.
The decisions we make today will determine the extent of the water crisis we will experience in 20–30 years!
Emphasizing that a single measure is not enough to prevent the water crisis, Asst. Prof. Ahmet Adiller said, “Water needs to be managed comprehensively and at a basin scale. First, a robust data and monitoring system should be established that continuously tracks how much water is available, where it is used, and how its quality changes. It is not possible to manage a resource we cannot measure effectively.”
Asst. Prof. Adiller concluded his words as follows:
“Selecting products suitable for water needs in agriculture, modernizing open irrigation systems, widespread use of pressurized and controlled irrigation methods, and farmers irrigating according to the actual plant water needs are critically important. In urban areas, network losses and leaks need to be further reduced.
In addition, the reuse of treated wastewater, rainwater harvesting, and the widespread application of greywater treatment and reuse are necessary. Preventing unlicensed and uncontrolled extraction in groundwater; protecting wetlands, water basins, and groundwater recharge areas from urbanization and pollution pressure is as important as saving water.
The decisions we make today will determine the extent of the water crisis we will experience in 20–30 years. Therefore, protecting water is not just a matter of individual saving, but a strategic necessity for food security, economic development, the continuity of ecosystems, and the right to life of future generations.”
