Istanbul dam occupancy rates fall below 50%

The average water level in Istanbul's dams has fallen to approximately 49.94%, according to data from the Istanbul Water and Sewerage Administration (ISKI). This decline is attributed to reduced rainfall, high summer temperatures causing evaporation, and increased water consumption.

While dams such as Elmalı (80.7%) and Ömerli (71.05%) maintain relatively higher levels, several western basin reservoirs have reached critical lows. Specifically, Pabuçdere is at 16.8%, Kazandere at 22.85%, and Sazlıdere at 28.37%. The city's total water storage capacity is currently recorded at 433.46 million cubic meters.

Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Toros from Istanbul Technical University noted that current levels represent one of the three lowest periods in the last decade. With daily water usage averaging between 3 and 3.5 million cubic meters, the city faces ongoing pressure on its water resources.