Turkey’s Water Future: Sustainability, Efficiency, and Shared Responsibility
Water is not only essential for life—it’s the very foundation of civilization. From public health to agriculture, industry, and energy production, it plays a vital role in every aspect of our lives. Access to clean and safe water is recognized as a basic human right by the United Nations and sits at the heart of sustainable development.
Unfortunately, today our water resources face unprecedented threats. Climate change, rapid population growth, urbanization, and industrialization are putting increasing pressure on both global and national water supplies.
The Reality of Water in Turkey: Not What It Seems
Although Turkey is surrounded by seas on three sides, this doesn’t mean we are rich in freshwater resources. On the contrary, considering the amount of usable water per person per year, Turkey is classified as a “water-stressed” country.
With an estimated 112 billion cubic meters of usable water annually, the majority is consumed by agriculture, while the rest goes to industry and households. Traditional irrigation methods—often inefficient—lead to massive water loss. Meanwhile, urban expansion and industrial activity increase demand and pollution, degrading water quality and driving up treatment costs.
Steps Toward a Water-Secure Future
To protect its water resources, Turkey must adopt a long-term, integrated approach to water management. Here are some key focus areas for the path ahead:
Modern Irrigation in Agriculture: Transitioning from open canal systems to efficient methods like drip and sprinkler irrigation can save enormous amounts of water. Smart farming practices can also optimize water use based on real-time needs.
Water Recycling in Industry: Industrial facilities should be encouraged to treat and reuse water. Closed-loop systems and process improvements can significantly reduce both costs and environmental impact.
Household Conservation and Awareness: Simple actions—like using water-efficient fixtures and appliances—can make a big difference. Raising awareness around mindful water consumption is just as critical.
Wastewater Treatment and Reuse: Wastewater shouldn’t be seen only as a burden. With advanced treatment technologies, it can be reused in agriculture or industry—offering both environmental and economic benefits.
Rainwater Harvesting and Greywater Use: Urban rainwater collection systems, greywater reuse, and underground water recharge projects can create valuable alternative water sources.
Desalination: In coastal or water-stressed areas, desalination of seawater offers a strategic solution for drinkig and utility water, relieving pressure on freshwater sources.
Climate Resilience: Investing in resilient infrastructure and long-term adaptation strategies is essential to cope with extreme weather events like droughts and floods.
Our Responsibility at Teget Kimya
At Teget Kimya, we fully understand the challenges Turkey faces when it comes to water—and we are committed to being part of the solution. Through our high-performance products and innovative technologies in water treatment, wastewater improvement, and seawater desalination, we support both industrial facilities and municipalities in achieving their water sustainability goals.
We strive to develop solutions that improve resource efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and promote responsible water use across all sectors.
Water is not just about today—it shapes our future. Let’s act together to protect Turkey’s water security and build a more sustainable tomorrow
