Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Mansur Yavaş drew attention to the serious water shortage that Ankara is facing at the Drought Emergency Action Plan Meeting held at ASKİ General Directorate. Yavaş emphasized the significant lack of rainfall in recent years and stated that drastic measures should be taken against the water crisis without delay. He underlined that unplanned and unintended water use should definitely be intervened.
Critical Water Reserves and Expected Troubles in Ankara
Speaking at the meeting, Mayor Yavaş stated that Ankara’s current water reserves were sufficient for about another year. However, he emphasized that this situation was a temporary relief and that similar or even greater water shortages were inevitable in the coming years. Yavaş said, “Ankara received almost no rain last year,” and added that this year’s rainfall, which lasted only a few days, would not change the current situation. This picture shows that long-term and effective water management strategies are of vital importance for the capital.
Unplanned Water Use in Agriculture and Consumption of Hobby Gardens Under the Lens
Noting that more than 70 percent of water in Turkey is used in agriculture, often in an unplanned and inefficient manner, Mayor Yavaş said that this situation actually harms the long-term interests of farmers. However, Yavaş stated that there is a striking picture in Ankara regarding drinking water, and conveyed that they have observed that excessive water consumption, especially in hobby gardens and garden watering habits in villa-type structures, create serious pressure on water resources.
Yavaş stated that in previous years, 85 percent of total water consumption occurred in residences and 15 percent in other areas, but this ratio has changed dramatically in recent years. Yavaş emphasized that it was determined that the usage in the 15 percent segment in particular used more water than 85 percent of total consumption, and clearly stated that this unplanned and excessive usage needed to be intervened urgently.
Strict Measures from ASKİ and Priority for Basic Needs
Emphasizing that ASKİ will not hesitate to take tough measures when necessary and that the priority will always be the basic water needs of the citizens, President Yavaş expressed his hope that the meeting will yield productive results. Stating that the decisions to be taken will be shared with the upper authorities and the citizens, Yavaş expressed his belief that urgent measures will be taken as of today and that the effects of the possible water crisis will be minimized in this way. Yavaş’s determined statements show that a critical period has been entered for Ankara’s water future and that this challenge must be overcome with the cooperation of all stakeholders.
