EVALUATION OF WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT IN TURKEY

Ebru Yilmaz, Cengiz Koç

Abstract
    Integrated Water Resources Management is defined as a process that promotes the coordinated development and management of water, land and related resources, in order to maximize the resultant economic and social welfare in an equitable manner without compromising the sustainability of vital ecosystems. Water should be utilized in an equitable, reasonable and optimal manner in the interest of all users. Conflicting issues should be solved through cooperation among riparians in transboundary river basins. Any activity should abstain from causing any significant harm to other beneficiaries while utilizing water. Natural meteorological and hydrological conditions should be considered in developing water policy and allocating waters. Turkey lies in a semi-arid region. Precipitation is limited 5-6 months per year. Turkey is not a water rich country. Per capita water availability is 1550 m³/cap/year in 2010. 98% of the population reaches safe drinking water. Turkey is expected to be a water stressed country by 2030. 87% of the population utilizes sewerage network. Approximately 74 % of water is used in agriculture for irrigation. Turkey's target is to reduce this rate down to 64% by 2030. In this study, water resources management in Turkey and problems were discussed along with EU compliance process and recommendations were provided.

Key words: water resources, management, Turkey, irrigation, environment