Water resources in İzmir sound the alarm: The threat of pollution and scarcity is growing

The 'İzmir 2024 Water Report' published by the TMMOB Chamber of Environmental Engineers İzmir Branch has revealed that the city's water resources are at a critical threshold. The report states that İzmir is among the cities experiencing water scarcity and that its groundwater and surface waters are under serious risk. Current data regarding drinking water supply, treatment plants, and seawater quality were shared.

It was stated that the annual amount of water per capita in İzmir is approximately one thousand cubic meters, placing the city among those experiencing water scarcity. It was also warned that water resources across Turkey are at the limit of water stress and that if necessary measures are not taken, the country could fall into the category of 'water-poor' nations.

WATER BODIES UNDER RISK

It was noted that the majority of İzmir's drinking water needs are met from groundwater, and that groundwater levels have dropped significantly in the Küçük Menderes and Gediz basins due to excessive water extraction and pollution. In the village of Yolüstü in Ödemiş, the groundwater level, which was 63 meters in 2005, receded to 111 meters in 2023. A large portion of the water bodies in these basins are classified as 'poor' or 'weak'.

It was determined that all 96 surface water bodies in the Gediz Basin are at risk. Of these water bodies, 33 are in the high-risk group, 40 in the medium-risk group, and 23 in the low-risk group. Regarding groundwater bodies, it was stated that a total of 29 bodies are at risk in terms of quantity.

POLLUTION ALARM IN THE GULF OF İZMİR

It was noted that complaints about odors have increased in the Gulf of İzmir due to deteriorating water quality, and mass fish deaths have occurred as a result of excessive algae blooms. The fish deaths experienced in the summer of 2024 were evaluated as an indicator that the gulf is at a critical threshold. In samples taken from the seawater, rising temperatures, pollution, and low oxygen levels were cited as the primary causes of the fish deaths.

In analyses conducted by the Institute of Marine Sciences and Technology, various parameters were measured at 13 different stations in the gulf. Since mid-August, red and green algae blooms have been observed in the Inner Gulf of İzmir. Green algae blooms, particularly in the region from the shores of Bayraklı to the port, were linked to the fish deaths. The deteriorating ecological state of the gulf was attributed to domestic and industrial waste, direct discharges, port and shipyard activities, and pollutants carried by streams.

News Source: 12punto