Water Crisis Looms in İzmir as Tahtalı Dam Falls to 14% Capacity

İzmir is facing a growing water crisis as reservoir levels plummet to critical lows. The Tahtalı Dam, the city’s primary source of drinking water, has dropped to just 14% capacity as of May 31, 2025—sparking alarm among environmental experts and city officials alike.

According to recent reports, rainfall during the spring months fell well below historical averages, exacerbating concerns over drought conditions as the summer heat intensifies.

Spring Rainfall Far Below Seasonal Norms

Data from Türkiye’s General Directorate of Meteorology under the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change revealed that İzmir has received drastically reduced rainfall during the critical spring months.

Historical averages for the 1938–2024 period show typical rainfall at:

• 75 mm in March

• 45.8 mm in April

• 31 mm in May

In stark contrast, rainfall in 2024 came in at:

• 51.9 mm in March

• 25.1 mm in April

• 23.4 mm in May

The situation has worsened in 2025:

• Only 4.3 mm of rain fell in March

• 54.8 mm in April

• 24.7 mm in May

Experts describe the March 2025 shortfall as particularly alarming, highlighting the growing severity of climate-induced weather disruptions.

Fewer Rainy Days Intensify the Threat

Along with declining rainfall volume, the number of rainy days has also decreased. Historically, İzmir experiences:

• 9 rainy days in March

• 8 in April

• 5 in May

In 2025, only 4 rainy days were recorded in March, while April and May saw 10 and 6 days respectively.

Despite a temporary increase in April, the overall trend points to shorter and less effective rainfall periods, diminishing the opportunity for dams to replenish.

No Rain Ahead: Forecast Signals Further Stress

The İzmir Meteorology Regional Directorate announced that no rainfall is expected in the coming week. With summer temperatures rising, stress on the city’s already-depleted water reserves is projected to worsen.

Environmental scientists warn that if current trends continue, restrictions on water use and potential shortages could become inevitable by mid-summer.