Don't stop water conservation because of rain

10 DECEMBER 2021

The rainy weather that has been effective in recent weeks in Izmir has increased the water level in the dams remarkably. As of December 10, 2021, occupancy rates increased by 29.14 percent in Kutlu Aktaş Dam, 21.55 percent in Ürkmez Dam, 20.30 percent in Güzelhisar Dam, 16.07 percent in Tahtalı Dam and 14.36 percent in Balçova Dam when compared to the same time previous year. Tahtalı Dam, which meets the water needs of a significant part of Izmir, reached the occupancy level of 50.79 percent and the Güzelhisar Dam reached 65.14 percent. Active occupancy rates were measured as 51.60 percent in Ürkmez Dam, 41.60 percent in Kutlu Aktaş Dam and 30.03 percent in Balçova Dam. Asst. Prof. Dr. Aslı Bor Türkben, Vice Dean of Faculty of Engineering, Izmir University of Economics (IUE), stated that the rains were pleasing, but water conservation should be strictly adhered to.

WE CAN BECOME 'WATER POOR'

Reminding that despite the increase in the occupancy rates of the dams compared to December of last year, there has been a serious decrease in the total amount of precipitation in the last 10 years, Asst. Prof. Dr. Türkben shared her suggestions on water saving. Having many scientific studies on water, Asst. Prof. Dr. Türkben said, “Countries with an annual water potential of less than 1000 cubic meters per capita are considered 'water poor' in the world. Turkey is not among the water-poor countries. However, in some scenarios, it is stated that due to global warming, we may experience water shortages in 20-30 years, just like many other countries. As we always say a 'water management' approach should be established for arid or drought-prone regions, and plans should be made for this. We should focus on many issues such as controlling domestic and industrial wastewater, erosion control and afforestation, balanced use of irrigation water, and population planning.”

BASIN MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN

Asst. Prof. Dr. Türkben continued as follows: “Basin management action plans should be created in terms of protection and sustainability of natural resources. The land use pattern directly affects the quality and quantity of water in the basins. Many factors, such as fires and the establishment of settlements on unsuitable lands, cause uncontrolled changes in land use. Therefore, afforestation should be given importance and policies to combat erosion should be established. Uncontrolled discharge of domestic and industrial wastes should be prevented, and they should be connected to wastewater treatment plants. It is a fact that the old-style flood irrigation method consumes a lot of water. Farmers should be directed to new types of irrigation systems. Farmers should be educated about 'water footprint'.”

SAVING SUGGESTIONS

Also providing information on the measures that can be taken individually, Türkben said, “While taking a bath, 40-60 percent water savings can be achieved by using a low-flow shower head. Considering that we spend an average of 75 liters of water for every 5 minutes we spend in the shower, getting out of the shower even 1 minute early is a huge savings on a yearly basis. If a person shaves without turning off the water for 3 minutes every day, he will waste 10 tons of water per year. If you brush your teeth twice a day for one minute without turning off the water, 8 tons of water will be wasted per year. We must turn off the tap while washing hands and face, shaving, or brushing teeth. By running the washing machine less than once a week, 9 tons of water can be saved per year. Wiping the dishes with a napkin instead of pre-washing before putting them in the machine also saves water. If vegetables and fruits are not washed in running water, but in a container filled with water; 20 tons of water is saved per year for a family of 4.”

ACTIVE OCCUPANCY RATES OF DAMS

10 DECEMBER 2020

Tahtalı Dam: 34.72 percent

Balçova Dam: 15.67 percent

Ürkmez Dam: 30.05 percent

Güzelhisar Dam: 44.84 percent

Kutlu Aktaş Dam: 12.46 percent

10 DECEMBER 2021

Tahtalı Dam: 50.79 percent

Balçova Dam: 30.03 percent

Ürkmez Dam: 51.60 percent

Güzelhisar Dam: 65.14 percent