Istanbul dam levels fall below 50 percent threshold

The average water level in Istanbul's dams has fallen below the critical 50 percent threshold. According to data from the Istanbul Water and Sewerage Administration (ISKI), the average occupancy rate dropped to approximately 49.54 percent as of mid-August.

This decline is attributed to decreasing rainfall during the summer months, rising temperatures, and high evaporation rates. The city's daily water consumption is also a significant factor, approaching 3.5 million cubic meters.

There is a significant disparity between different water sources. The Elmalı Dam remains the most secure, with a capacity level of over 80 percent. In contrast, the Pabuçdere Dam has reached a critical low, with occupancy recorded at approximately 16 percent. Other reservoirs, such as the Sazlıdere and Kazandere dams, also show significantly depleted levels.