Antalya’s water resources cannot meet the needs of the current population

According to reports from organizations such as the United Nations (UN) and UNESCO, the demand for water is increasing in the world and in Turkey due to reasons such as growing population, global warming, and drought, while freshwater sources are decreasing every year. In Antalya, the impact of drought is observed every year on Avlan Lake located in the Elmalı district, while the city’s water sources cannot meet the current population. Mustafa Karancı, the President of the Chamber of Geological Engineers Antalya Branch, stated, ‘9% of Turkey’s water reserves are in Antalya, but if we do not manage this correctly, we are likely to become a water-poor country.’Although three-quarters of the world’s surface is covered with water, the amount of fresh water suitable for human use is quite limited. Less than 1% of the existing water on the earth’s surface consists of freshwater sources suitable for ecosystems and human use. It is estimated that by 2030, global water demand will increase by about 50%, and considering factors such as growing population, global warming, and drought, the global water demand, which is currently around 4,500 cubic kilometers, will rise to 6,900 cubic kilometers. This amount constitutes more than 40% of the currently available and reliable supply.This year will be much hotterProfessor Dr. Dursun Büyüktaş from Akdeniz University stated that if rainfall falls below the 30-year average during the year due to drought, Antalya has experienced significantly below-average rainfall in recent years. He emphasized that in the Mediterranean climate zone, rainfall has been significantly below the expected levels in the years 2005-2008-2013-2016-2017-2020-2021. Büyüktaş pointed out the three types of drought, meteorological, agricultural, and hydrological drought, and highlighted the importance of using water efficiently.Greenhouses caused the lake to dry upIt was mentioned that due to the decrease in rainfall values, there has been an 11% decrease in precipitation rate, and the drying situation of Avlan Lake in the Elmalı district was evaluated in this context. It was emphasized that the ecological life in the lake was affected besides the benefits provided to humans. Additionally, intensive greenhouse farming known as plateau greenhouse farming started in the region.Let’s not waste waterDue to global climate change, Professor Dr. Dursun Büyüktaş underlined that it is necessary to use water efficiently. He emphasized the importance of starting with agriculture when it comes to saving water. He mentioned the need to switch from surface irrigation to pressurized irrigation methods to increase irrigation efficiency from around 50% to 75-80%. He emphasized the importance of not wasting water and encouraging farmers to use drip or sprinkler irrigation.Fifty years ago, a solution created a problem todayMustafa Karancı, President of the Chamber of Geological Engineers Antalya Branch, mentioned ongoing efforts to reclaim the 850-hectare Avlan Lake in Elmalı district, but he pointed out that climate change hinders the projects. He stated that the drying of Avlan Lake, which was intentionally dried by human hands in the 1970s, is now seen as a problem caused by past solutions.Greenhouses consume about 10 tons of water per acreKarancı highlighted the decrease in Antalya’s water resources due to drought, as well as the impact of population growth and water usage in the agricultural sector. He emphasized the need to manage water resources correctly to prevent Antalya from becoming a water-poor country.Water shortages may occur in KorkuteliKarancı also addressed the risk in Korkuteli’s water resources, stating that there may be water shortages in the district. He mentioned the need for immediate action to address the water scarcity issues in the region.Nature observer Ömer Harpcı suggested solutions for Avlan Lake to thrive, emphasizing the importance of not flooding agricultural lands in Elmalı Ovası during the winter season and directing some of the water from the industrial sink near Elmalı Industrial Site to Avlan Lake through a pipeline, which could provide some relief to the lake’s water problem.