Newsletters
The dams supplying Ankara, Türkiye’s capital, have dropped to dangerously low levels. According to the Ankara Water and Sewerage Administration (ASKI), water reserves are depleting rapidly, prompting authorities to consider controlled distribution to maintain the city’s water security amid ongoing climate challenges.
Ankara relies heavily on nearby dams for its drinking and utility water. As of March 29, the ASKI dam information system reports that the city’s dam levels are at just 26.68% capacity. This is nearly half of the level recorded at the same time last year.
Even more concerning is the amount of usable water. IN 2024, the total available water was approximately 571 million cubic meters, while in 2025, it had dropped to 234 million cubic meters, only 16.76% of the total capacity. This significant decrease challenges the city’s ability to meet daily water demand.
During the summer months, inflow to the dams fell sharply. Limited rainfall in June, July, and August, combined with reduced snowmelt, almost halted natural reservoir replenishment. This situation has made Ankara’s water management more fragile.
The rapid decline in dam levels has prompted the Ankara Water and Sewerage Administration and Ankara Metropolitan Municipality to explore controlled water distribution. This approach aims to balance water supply during critical periods and extend the longevity of existing reserves.
Authorities plan to allocate water based on priority and specific time schedules, preserving critical reserves while avoiding sudden shortages in different city districts.
Ankara’s current situation highlights the importance of effective urban water management. Low dam levels affect not only immediate supply but also long-term planning and infrastructure decisions.
Experts note that climate change and recurring drought cycles are increasingly complicating urban water management. The Ankara Water and Sewerage Administration continuously monitors dam levels and water distribution, developing alternative strategies to prepare for potential crises.
These strategies include expanding rainwater harvesting systems, utilizing underground water resources, increasing reservoir capacity, and optimizing distribution networks. City authorities aim to ensure a sustainable and uninterrupted water supply through the gradual implementation of these measures.
4 min read
