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<\/p>\nThe water reservoir fill rate supplying Istanbul has declined to 21.87% as of today, signaling the second-lowest level in the past decade, according to the latest data from the Istanbul Water and Sewerage Administration (ISKI).<\/p>\n
After reaching a peak of 81.23% on April 30, reservoir levels have steadily decreased over the last seven months due to elevated water consumption and persistent hot weather.<\/p>\n
Detailed assessments reveal varied reservoir levels across the metropolitan area, \u00d6merli at 17.58%, Darl\u0131k 32.13%, Elmal\u0131 51.46%, Terkos 24.79%, Alibey 11.92%, B\u00fcy\u00fck\u00e7ekmece 24.73%, Sazl\u0131dere 22.33%, Istrancalar 35.19%, Kazandere 2.61%, and Pabu\u00e7dere 4.77%.<\/p>\n
Collectively, Istanbul\u2019s reservoirs and ponds hold a water storage capacity of approximately 868.7 million cubic meters, with 189.84 million cubic meters currently available.<\/p>\n
Supplementing reservoir supplies, Istanbul has received 381.98 million cubic meters of water from the Melen River and 84.3 million cubic meters from Ye\u015fil\u00e7ay this year.<\/p>\n
On Nov. 8 alone, the city consumed 3.1 million cubic meters of water, sourced from both reservoirs (1.845 million cubic meters) and regulators (1.253 million cubic meters).<\/p>\n
A historical review by ISKI shows reservoir fill rates on Nov. 9 fluctuated significantly over the past decade, including 67.79% in 2015, 36.69% in 2016, 56.2% in 2017, and a recent low of 16.77% in 2023, with this year\u2019s rate of 21.87% representing a modest improvement but still reflecting a critical water supply status.<\/p>\n
Professor H\u00fcseyin Toros, from Istanbul Technical University\u2019s Department of Climate Science and Meteorological Engineering, highlights that recent rainfall in late October has mitigated the decline in reservoir levels by extending the time for a 1% drop from every three days to approximately five to six days.<\/p>\n
\u201cPartial replenishment of surface water and groundwater recharge have contributed to slowing the reduction in reservoir volumes,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n
Looking ahead, Toros anticipates that winter months, December through February, being Istanbul\u2019s rainiest period, will further decelerate reservoir depletion. Cooler temperatures during this period reduce evaporation rates and lower water demand.<\/p>\n
Despite these encouraging signs, he cautions that reservoir levels remain precariously low, with this year marking the second-lowest fill rate in the last ten years.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile 2025\u2019s reservoir levels show some improvement over 2023\u2019s critically low 16% range, the situation remains fragile,\u201d he said. \u201cIf reservoirs were at full capacity, the stored water could sustain Istanbul for roughly 10 months; however, the current volume suffices for only about 2 months under present consumption rates.\u201d<\/p>\n
Emphasizing strategic water management, Toros advocates for accelerating the adoption of rainwater harvesting and implementing tiered water pricing. Currently, average per capita daily water use in Istanbul is approximately 200 liters. He underscores the importance of policies that encourage reducing consumption to 100 liters per person per day.<\/p>\n
\u201cA tiered pricing model, with affordable rates up to 100 liters and increasing tariffs beyond that, incentivizes water-saving behaviors and technological innovation,\u201d Toros said. \u201cThis approach benefits citizens economically, supports technology developers, and allows municipalities to meet water demand efficiently with lower investment costs.\u201d<\/p>\n
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