A severe drought in Turkey’s northwestern province of Tekirdag has left major reservoirs empty, prompting emergency water measures and leaving residents struggling for weeks without reliable supply. Authorities say the crisis reflects a broader shortage affecting several provinces this summer.
The Naip Dam, Tekirdag’s primary water source, fell to 0% capacity in August after no rainfall in June and July. By contrast, the dam held 21% at this time last year, according to the State Hydraulic Works.
To address the shortfall, authorities have resorted to using irrigation water for domestic purposes and building pump systems to deliver water to urban areas. The Turkmenli Dam, normally reserved for irrigation, has been repurposed to supply parts of Marmaraereglisi district.
Mehmet Ali Sismanlar, head of Tekirdag’s Water and Sewerage Administration (TESKI), said that rainfall in the region has dropped sharply over the past decade, with the last two years’ drought intensifying water shortages. TESKI is also tapping deeper groundwater sources, though levels have fallen to twice their historical depth.
Residents describe severe hardships. Mehmet, 70, of Dereagzi neighborhood, said his household has been without running water for two months, forcing them to fetch water from distant areas. “I have been living in filth for the past two months,” he said, while his wife Fatma, 65, described nights spent filling bottles in hope of supply restoration.
Another resident, Remzi Karabas, 71, said he now launders clothes in Istanbul and is considering leaving Tekirdag due to the ongoing crisis.
The drought comes amid record-low rainfall nationwide. Turkey’s Meteorological Service reported a 71% drop in July precipitation compared to last year, with the Marmara region recording a 95% deficit.
Precipitation across Turkey in the ten months to August fell 26% below the 52-year average, highlighting the severe impact of climate change on water resources.
Written By Rodney Mbua
