Turkey Water Use, Resources and Precipitation (2024)

As a water resources expert with a comprehensive understanding of the field, I've delved into various aspects of water management, precipitation patterns, and water resource utilization. My expertise is grounded in both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, allowing me to provide valuable insights into the intricate details of water-related topics.

Let's explore the key concepts mentioned in the provided article:

1. Water Precipitation in Turkey:

   • The article mentions a long-term average annual precipitation in depth of 593 mm/year (2017). This figure represents the amount of water, in millimeters, that falls over Turkey in a year. This is a crucial metric for understanding the country's water availability.

2. Water Precipitation in Volume:

   • The article indicates a long-term average annual precipitation in volume of 465.7 billion m³/year (2017). This metric provides a volumetric perspective, highlighting the actual quantity of water that falls on Turkish territory annually.

3. Renewable Water Resources:

   • Renewable water resources in Turkey are the sum of renewable groundwater and renewable surface water resources (both internal and external). The total renewable water resources in the country were reported as 212 billion m³/year in 2017.

4. Water Resources per Capita:

   • The article mentions that the renewable water resources per capita in Turkey were 2,621 m³/person/year in 2017. This metric is significant for assessing the availability of water resources on a per-person basis.

5. Water Dependency:

   • Water dependency is highlighted, indicating that only 2% of the water used in Turkey comes from outside the country (2017). This suggests a relatively low reliance on external water sources, emphasizing a degree of self-sufficiency.

6. Water Use in Turkey:

   • The article touches upon total water use in Turkey, categorized by sector and year. It's important to note that water use can include both consumption and the return of water to its source, emphasizing the potential for renewable resource utilization.

7. Access to Safe Drinking Water:

   • A significant point is made regarding access to safe drinking water, stating that the entire population of Turkey (100%) has access to a safe drinking water source. This is a critical achievement for public health and well-being.

8. Sources:

   • The article references reputable sources such as AQUASTAT (FAO's Global Information System on Water and Agriculture), World Population Prospects (United Nations Population Division), United Nations Statistics Division, and the World Bank. These sources contribute to the credibility of the information presented.

In summary, Turkey's water management involves a comprehensive understanding of precipitation patterns, renewable water resources, per capita availability, and effective utilization across different sectors. The nation's achievement of providing universal access to safe drinking water reflects a commendable commitment to public health and sustainable water practices.