Rain benefits Istanbul: Dam occupancy rate nears 70 percent threshold
As water levels in Istanbul's dams have risen rapidly due to the rainfall that was effective in March, experts have warned that water conservation remains of great importance.
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The heavy rainfall that was effective at the end of March has provided a lifeline to Istanbul's water resources. Dam occupancy rates, which had sounded an alarm by falling below 17 percent in December, reached 66.46 percent as of the beginning of April. Despite this positive development in the dams that provide the city's water needs, experts have issued a call to "not let your guard down."
RAINFALL FILLS THE DAMS
The precipitation regime observed over the last three months has pushed water levels in the dams above expectations. The Alibeyköy Dam, which had an occupancy rate of 6.27 percent in November and had almost completely dried up, rose to 65.42 percent due to the effect of the rainfall. This increase has allowed natural life to revive in areas that were dried up just a few months ago. The dam with the highest occupancy rate in Istanbul was the Istrancalar Dam at 100 percent. The Ömerli Dam also strengthened its position as the city's water reservoir by rising to 91.35 percent.
CURRENT FIGURES FROM İSKİ
According to data from the Istanbul Water and Sewerage Administration (İSKİ) dated April 2, 2026, the average occupancy rate of the dams was measured at 66.46 percent. If the rainfall continues at its current pace, it is expected that the critical 70 percent threshold will be exceeded in the coming days. This rate, which is considered important from both a psychological and technical perspective, is evaluated as a reassuring indicator for the city's water management.
The current occupancy rates in the dams are as follows: - Elmalı: 92.62% - Ömerli: 91.35% - Darlık: 81.9% - Kazandere: 64.71% - Alibeyköy: 65.42% - Büyükçekmece: 52.34% - Terkos: 50.62% - Sazlıdere: 43.52% - Pabuçdere: 35.79%
CONSERVATION WARNING FROM EXPERTS
Although the increase in dam levels has provided temporary relief to Istanbul residents, experts are inviting citizens to avoid wasting water. The fact that the city's annual water consumption exceeds the total capacity of the dams requires caution against the risk of a possible long-term drought. Pointing out the importance of using water sustainably, experts warn that water shortages could be experienced again if rainfall occurs below expected levels.
While the drought anxiety experienced in Istanbul during the past winter period has been left behind, officials agree that water conservation is more critical than ever due to the city's increasing population and consumption.