Turkey’s most populous city, Istanbul, is facing a significant decline in the water level of its reservoirs, with a decrease of up to 18% on Friday. This decline represents a 50% drop over the past 50 days, if no rain occurs, according to reports by RIA Novosti. The Istanbul Water and Sewerage Administration (ISKI) has announced that the water level in the city’s reservoirs currently stands at 18.07%, equivalent to 140.9 million cubic meters out of a total capacity of 868 million cubic meters. Since April, the water level has decreased by 48.5%.

With a population of over 16 million people, Istanbul consumes approximately 3.1 million cubic meters of water per day. In response to the declining water levels, authorities are urging residents to use water sparingly and take necessary precautions. In July, the water level in the city’s dams dropped to a critical point of just 5% capacity. However, it has since improved and now ranges between 17% and 38%.

Despite this improvement, some districts in Istanbul are still experiencing water scarcity. Forecasts indicate that there will be no rainfall in the city for the next ten days, with temperatures ranging from 19 to 25 degrees Celsius. These conditions are significantly deviating from the average temperature for October in Istanbul, which is typically around 13.6 degrees Celsius, with occasional highs of 20 degrees Celsius.

Authorities have taken measures to conserve water resources, including reducing the water supply to the city’s reservoirs and implementing temporary cut-offs in certain areas. Professor Gyven Ozdemir, the head of Istanbul Aydin University, noted that public institutions are exploring alternative options for water supply. However, residents are also urged to play their part by conserving water and not reusing wastewater.

In conclusion, Istanbul is grappling with a decline in water levels in its reservoirs, posing challenges for the city’s water supply. The authorities are urging residents to use water sparingly, and measures have been taken to conserve water resources. Alternative options are being explored, but the cooperation of residents is crucial in ensuring water availability for all.