EVALUATION OF DRINKING WATER TREATMENT PLANTS IN TERMS OF CAPACITY: THE CASE OF ISTANBUL, ANKARA, AND KOCAELI

Abstract

Global population growth is increasing the pressure on water resources day by day. At the same time, changes in land use, especially due to increased urbanization, affect hydrological processes. Considering both population and urbanization, the management of water resources with the right planning becomes inevitable. In this study, the worst-case scenario was handled and it was investigated how much more the city could meet its water needs if the drinking water treatment plants in the provinces of Istanbul, Ankara and Kocaeli were operating at full capacity. In the analyzes handled with the current water losses, the population projections and the future change in the per capita water need are revealed. According to the results obtained, it was determined that when the existing drinking water treatment plants in Istanbul are used at full capacity, there may be water shortages in 2039. Under the same conditions, it was determined that Ankara would not be able to meet its water needs in 2036. In Kocaeli, it was determined that in 2031, the existing facilities will be insufficient for the water demand. The results of the study showed that the necessary measures should be taken immediately for the water crisis, which is expected to be one of the most important problems of our country in the future.