Statement from TİSKİ regarding the ‘Heavy Metal Pollution’ allegations concerning the Atasu Dam

The allegations that the water in Atasu Dam, which meets the water needs of Trabzon city center and its surroundings, could be exposed to heavy metal pollution due to the geological structure in the watershed, were responded by the Trabzon Water and Sewerage Administration (TİSKİ). The written statement made by TİSKİ regarding the claims made by Geology Engineer Prof. Dr. Osman Bektaş that ‘It is possible for the drinking water stored in Trabzon Atasu Dam to be contaminated by heavy metal ions filtering from metal fields and magmatic rocks. However, the presence of elements such as arsenic, cyanide, selenium, lead, copper, zinc in the 17-parameter Trabzon drinking water analyses published every month is harmful to public health.’ In the statement, it was mentioned that ‘Trabzon water is among Turkey’s highest quality drinking waters. The elements mentioned by our professor are analyzed through samples taken at intervals from the valleys carrying water to Atasu Dam and from the treatment plants, and this issue is meticulously followed. Most recently, on 17.05.2024, water samples taken from different points feeding Maçka Atasu Dam, as well as from Esiroğlu and Akoluk Treatment Plants, were thoroughly analyzed at the Esiroğlu Central Quality Control Laboratory. A total of 80 separate parameters are measured daily, weekly, and monthly in the analyses conducted by TİSKİ. However, only 17 parameters are published on the website. The elements mentioned by Osman Bektaş are also included in our regular measurements. In addition to our analyses in Trabzon, drinking water samples are taken from approximately 500 points throughout the province at certain intervals by the Trabzon Provincial Health Directorate, and all analyses are conducted. In the analysis dated May 17, which includes a total of 28 elements, including Cadmium, Mercury, Lead, Nickel, Selenium, Barium, Cobalt, Copper, Aluminum, and Arsenic, deemed risky according to World Health Organization standards in the 2008 TÜBİTAK report, as well as in previous regular analyses, no inappropriate parameters have been detected. We emphasize that nobody should be confused about Trabzon’s drinking water, which we see as Turkey’s cleanest and best water, and extend our respects to the public.