Türkiye’s Dam Reservoir Levels Drop to 42.2%, Sharp Declines in Ankara and İzmir

According to State Hydraulic Works (DSİ) data, as of August 12, 2025, Türkiye’s dam reservoirs recorded an active storage rate of 42.2%, down 10.7 percentage points from the same period last year.

The decline is linked to below-average rainfall during the water year (October 1, 2024 – August 12, 2025), with precipitation dropping 27.7% compared to the previous year. Active storage currently stands at 39.8 billion cubic meters, down from 49.8 billion cubic meters in 2024.

Historical Comparison (August Averages):

• 2020: 51.1%

• 2021: 31.9%

• 2022: 39.3%

• 2023: 49.9%

• 2024: 52.9%

• 2025: 42.2%

Major City Reservoir Status:

• Istanbul: Down from 54.9% last year to 48.1%, enough for about 4 months of drinking water.

• Ankara: Fell sharply from 32.8% to 9.3%, leaving roughly 3 months of supply.

• Izmir: Plunged from 13.2% to 4.1%, equating to about 2 months of drinking water.

Water Conservation Warnings:
DSİ urges citizens to repair leaking taps, shorten shower times, and reduce food waste, which indirectly lowers agricultural water demand. The public is also advised not to dispose of used cooking oils, expired medicines, or chemicals down drains to protect water resources.

Experts warn that unless rainfall improves, urban water shortages could become more severe, making household conservation measures and efficient agricultural water use crucial.