Türkiye's Future Water Map: What Does the 2026–2035 National Water Plan Tell Us?

Water is the source of life and the most vital guarantee for a sustainable future. In this era, as we increasingly feel the impacts of climate change, Türkiye has implemented the "National Water Plan (2026–2035)" to protect, improve, and use its water resources efficiently.

Is the water flowing from our taps at risk? How does the country consume its water and what lies ahead? Here are the most striking highlights and statistics from the plan:

Current Water Situation in Numbers: How Much Water Do We Have?

Contrary to general public perception, Türkiye is not a water-rich country. Statistics clearly show that we are living at the limits of our water resources:

Türkiye’s total annual available water volume is 112 billion cubic meters (94 billion cubic meters from surface water and 18 billion cubic meters from groundwater). Based on 2025 population estimates of approximately 85.8 million, the annual per capita water availability is 1,305 cubic meters. This figure places Türkiye in the “water stress” category according to the international Falkenmark Index. More alarming is the projection that the population will reach 93.7 million by 2050, further reducing per capita water availability.

Where Are We Using Our Water?

As of the end of 2024, Türkiye’s total water consumption amounted to 61.7 billion cubic meters. The sectoral distribution of this consumption reveals where the problem lies:

• Agricultural Irrigation (79%): A very large portion of consumed water, 48.73 billion cubic meters, is used directly in agriculture.
• Drinking, Domestic and Industrial Use (21%): The total water used in homes, cities and industrial facilities amounts to 12.95 billion cubic meters.

How Will Climate Change Affect Our Water?

Climate projections for future years indicate that without urgent action, Türkiye will face severe water scarcity:

By 2030, average temperatures across Türkiye are projected to rise by 1.75°C. As a result of this warming, the current available water potential of 112 billion cubic meters is expected to decline by 18.7% by 2050 to 90.9 billion cubic meters, and by 26.4% by 2100 to 82.4 billion cubic meters. Additionally, rising temperatures cause snowfall in winter to melt earlier and faster, negatively impacting reservoir fill levels and groundwater recharge.

What Is the Solution? Goals of the “Water Efficiency Mobilization”

To change this pessimistic outlook, the plan sets radical “Water Efficiency” targets covering all sectors:

• Urban and Household Efficiency:
• Preventing Losses and Leaks: In 2024, the average water loss in municipal networks was 31.6%. The target is to reduce these leaks and losses to 25% by 2030 and 10% by 2050.
• Per Capita Consumption: Currently, individuals consume an average of 154 liters of water per day. Through awareness campaigns and efficient equipment use, this figure is planned to be reduced to 120 liters by 2030, 100 liters by 2050, and 75 liters by 2100.
• Sponge Cities and Alternative Sources: Harvesting rainwater, reusing “greywater” from sinks and showers, and designing cities as “sponge cities” that absorb and retain water will become mandatory.

Transformation in Agriculture and Industry

In agriculture, the sector that consumes the most water, pipe-based closed irrigation systems will replace open canals that cause water waste (this share is targeted to reach 45% by 2028). The efficiency rate of agricultural irrigation is targeted to increase to 60% by 2030 and 65% by 2050. The recovery rate of water used in industrial facilities is planned to reach 30% by 2030 and 50% by 2050. Another key goal is to raise the reuse rate of treated wastewater to 15% by 2030.

Not Even a Single Drop Should Be Wasted

The National Water Plan (2026–2035) clearly shows that we no longer have the luxury of continuing with outdated water management practices. It is crucial for Türkiye to manage all sectors in an integrated manner through its “Water, Energy, Food and Ecosystem Interlinkages Approach.” While the state protects reservoirs and digitizes infrastructure, our responsibility is to reduce our water footprint in daily life, utilize rainwater, and make individual water efficiency a way of life. Because if water runs out, agriculture ends, food ends, and life ends. Our future is hidden in the single drop we conserve today.