Dursun Yıldız, President of the Water Policies Association, has issued a critical warning regarding Ankara’s water supply, stressing the urgent need for proactive measures to prevent the capital from facing a severe crisis similar to that experienced in Tehran. His comments come amidst ongoing controlled water supply measures in Ankara, highlighting the city’s vulnerability to climate change-induced water scarcity.
The Looming Threat: Ankara’s Water Future
Yıldız’s primary concern revolves around the long-term sustainability of Ankara’s water resources. He points out that while controlled water supply is currently in effect, a more comprehensive and continuous approach to water efficiency is essential, extending beyond periods of severe drought. “New communication plans for efficient water use and additional measures must be implemented even outside severe drought periods,” Yıldız stated.
Drawing a parallel with Tehran, which has been grappling with a significant water crisis due to insufficient rainfall, Yıldız cautioned, “We must take precautions before what happened to Tehran happens to Ankara.” This comparison underscores the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences of inaction.
Population Growth and Water Demand: A Dangerous Combination
Ankara has experienced substantial and permanent migration recently, transforming it into a significant urban magnet for its surrounding regions. This demographic shift, coupled with rapid and unplanned urbanization, is projected to exacerbate existing issues such as water resource and infrastructure inadequacies. Yıldız emphasized that for Ankara to become a model capital, its growth must be planned and controlled.
The newly prepared Water Master Plan indicates that Ankara will require additional water within four years. This projection is heavily influenced by population growth estimates, necessitating water transfers from distant basins. Yıldız suggests that encouraging reverse migration and preventing further population increase could position Ankara as an exemplary capital in various aspects.
Immediate Measures and Long-Term Solutions
Addressing the immediate water shortage, Yıldız noted that Ankara’s central areas primarily receive water from the Kızılırmak Kesikköprü Dam. While the active volume of the Çamlıdere Dam is depleted, its substantial dead volume could meet Ankara’s water needs until the rainy season. Furthermore, groundwater wells are providing supplementary supply. However, the depletion of dams to their dead volumes means a prolonged period before normal operating levels are restored, potentially extending hydrological drought into the next year.
To mitigate this risk, Ankara’s water management must intensify measures for demand management. Alternative projects, such as transferring water to the Çamlıdere Dam to maximize the benefits of the Gerede system, should be explored. Preventing water loss and leakage in the network is crucial, and the ongoing renovation work on the Çamlıdere-İvedik line should be expanded to other priority sections of the network. Increased inspections to prevent illegal well drilling and excessive water consumption are also vital.
The Importance of the Water Management Master Plan
ASKİ General Directorate’s announcement of controlled water supply due to insufficient water conservation efforts from subscribers highlights a critical gap. “This reveals that sufficient support for water conservation has not been received from subscribers in Ankara, as is the case in most other major cities,” Yıldız observed. This reinforces the need for new communication strategies and additional measures for efficient water use, even outside severe drought periods.
Yıldız referenced the Iranian President’s statements about Tehran’s chronic problems, including increased population, air pollution, infrastructure strain, and severe water scarcity. While Ankara currently shares similarities with Tehran only in being a capital city experiencing severe drought, it is not yet facing the full extent of Tehran’s crisis. “We must take precautions before what happened to Tehran happens to Ankara,” he reiterated.
Turkey, as a nation, is strong enough not to abandon its capital to a water crisis. The Ankara Metropolitan Municipality (ABB) possesses the necessary experience and plans to address this issue. The Drinking Water, Wastewater, and Rainwater Management Master Plan for Ankara, covering the years 2024-2054, has been prepared. Yıldız urged its swift implementation with government support to ensure Ankara’s water security. Tehran’s situation serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the importance of timely action and positioning Ankara as a model capital in water management.
Weather Outlook: A Glimmer of Hope?
Officials from the General Directorate of Meteorology (MGM) noted that rainfall has been below seasonal norms for the past three to four years, while temperatures have remained high. This pattern is observed across much of Turkey, not just Ankara, impacting various sectors. Population growth further exacerbates water supply challenges.
For January, February, and March, temperatures in Ankara are expected to be above seasonal norms, with rainfall around seasonal averages. Most of this precipitation is anticipated to be rain rather than snow. However, snowfall mixed with rain is expected in the higher elevations of Ankara’s city center on Monday and Tuesday.
Source: https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/yerel-haberler/ankara/uzmani-uyardi-ankara-tahran-olmasin-43062050
