Water: Our existence, our future, our security, and our survival issue

Water, which is our national asset, strategic power, and future, is of vital importance for our right to life, economy, food security, and the independence of our country. It is also a matter of national survival. Protecting water means protecting the future. The world of today and tomorrow will be shaped by water policies, and water will be one of the greatest guarantees of peace. If water runs out, the future ends, peace ends, and life ends.

We must treat the water crisis as both a problem of today and a long-term, strategic, and priority issue that will determine the lives of future generations. Water is the fundamental element of national security, food and nutrition security, economic independence, and the prosperity of future generations. The water issue should be viewed as a national survival issue for our country, and a doctrine should be developed accordingly.

A significant portion of the Earth is covered by water. Although there are different scientific views, it is generally accepted that approximately 71% of the Earth is covered by water. Saltwater accounts for 97.5% of total water resources, while the remaining 2.5% is freshwater.

In our country, the total annual precipitation is approximately 450 billion m³, and the average annual precipitation height is 574 mm. The total of our annual usable surface and groundwater is approximately 112 billion m³. The safe reserve of groundwater is stated to be 18 billion m³. The annual usable water amount per capita in our country is approximately 1,325 m³. One of the significant problems of our country is the risk of becoming water-poor.

One of the most important reasons for this is the unconscious use of water in both production and consumption. It is observed that freshwater resources in our country are consumed unconsciously, especially in agriculture and industry. It is also stated that a significant amount of freshwater mixes from underground into the seas. We can use the technically and economically evaluable portion of this water in agriculture and industry.

Today, it is possible to solve the water problem of Ankara, Istanbul, and our other cities. Thus, we would not have to make the people of the capital drink the water of the Kızılırmak, which is a subject of debate in terms of human health. We must make legal regulations for the collection and utilization of rainwater mandatory as soon as possible. We must urgently establish a Ministry of Water. Water is not a simple issue to be left to the mercy of municipalities; it is directly a matter of national security and survival.

Approximately 67% of total freshwater use in the world occurs in agriculture, 23% in industry, and 10% in households. It is stated that approximately 200 liters of water are needed to make one kilogram of dough.

Our country's consumable surface and groundwater potential is around 112 billion m³ annually. However, it is stated that the amount of water that can be extracted to the surface annually is around 14 billion m³. Although it is not possible to extract all of the 98 billion m³ of water that remains underground and is unused annually, we can solve a significant part of the water problem by using the technically and economically evaluable portion. We have the technical equipment on an international scale for the research, extraction, and use of underground water resources.

For example, if the Konya Plain continues to be managed this way, it will face the danger of desertification, and sinkhole formations may increase. However, by managing our water resources with scientific methods, protecting groundwater, and expanding sustainable irrigation systems, we can preserve the Konya Plain as productive agricultural land again. Thus, we can meet a significant portion of our country's grain needs and export the surplus production.

We can only utilize a portion of our existing water potential. A significant part of the water reaches the seas through rivers, lakes, canals, and other ways. The evaluation of these resources must be carried out in line with scientific planning and environmental sustainability principles.

Water suitable for human health is of vital importance for all living things. Raising the awareness of our people and protecting our water resources should be our national and patriotic duty. The foundations of a healthy future generation are in our hands today. Tomorrow may be too late.

Drinkable water and a livable environment are the fundamental rights of every human being. We must be aware that leaving a livable Turkey to future generations is one of our most important individual responsibilities. Water usage and the importance of water should be taught as a subject as early as primary school.

Protecting and defending water is protecting and defending the homeland. If water runs out, life ends. A drop of water is a breath of life. Protect your water, light a candle for your future.

We must look at the water crisis as a national survival issue and do what is necessary without wasting time. Otherwise, everyone who remains a spectator to thirst today will be responsible for the thirst of tomorrow.

If there is water, there is life; protecting water is protecting the homeland and our future.