Istanbul, February 8 – Intermittent rainfall in Istanbul has led to a slight increase in the water levels of the city’s dams. However, despite this improvement, the current occupancy rate of 35% is significantly lower compared to the same period last year, raising concerns among experts about the city’s water supply.
Dam Levels Rise, But Concerns Remain
According to data from the Istanbul Water and Sewerage Administration (İSKİ), the dam occupancy rate, which had dropped to 17.12% on December 7, has now risen to 35%. While this represents a positive change, it falls short of the over 50% occupancy recorded during the same period in 2025. Experts are cautioning that despite anticipated rainfall in the coming months, careful water management is crucial to avoid a difficult period for Istanbul residents.
Anadolu Agency reports that even though the occupancy rate has reached 35%, the situation is worse compared to last year. No significant rainfall is expected in the coming months, leading experts to issue warnings regarding the current water levels in the dams.
Historical Context of Dam Occupancy Rates
İSKİ statistics provide a historical perspective on dam occupancy rates for February 7 over the past decade:
- 2016: 84.21%
- 2017: 85.58%
- 2018: 75.38%
- 2019: 89.74%
- 2020: 59.2%
- 2021: 45.55%
- 2022: 66.91%
- 2023: 31.14%
- 2024: 75.85%
- 2025: 53.27%
- 2026: 34.71%
These figures highlight the fluctuating nature of Istanbul’s water reserves and underscore the current deficit compared to previous years, particularly 2025.
Expert Warnings and Future Outlook
Despite the recent rainfall, experts are urging caution. The careful use of water is vital, as the current water quantity, coupled with the possibility of insufficient future rainfall, could lead to a challenging period for Istanbul residents. The city’s water supply relies heavily on these dams, and sustained low levels could have significant implications for daily life and economic activities.
The lack of substantial precipitation forecasts for the upcoming months intensifies these concerns. Authorities and citizens alike are encouraged to implement and adhere to water conservation measures to mitigate the potential impact of a prolonged period of low water levels.
