Record Low Water Level at Tahtalı Dam: The Lowest Level in History

Water Level at Tahtalı Dam is Alarmingly Low

The Tahtalı Dam, one of Izmir's most important water sources, is experiencing one of the severest drought periods in recent years. The water level in the dam has dropped to its historic low of 1.65 meters, falling below the 1.90 level recorded in 2008.

Insufficient Impact of Rainfall

Despite a total of 81 kilograms of rainfall recorded in Izmir during October, no significant increase in the water levels at Tahtalı Dam was observed. Experts attribute this situation to the fact that most of the first rains after prolonged drought have been absorbed by dry soil and plants. According to seasonal norms, an average of 119 kilograms of rainfall is expected in November, December, January, and February.

Hope for the Future

Prof. Dr. Doğan Yaşar, a member of the Turkish Academy of Sciences (TÜBA) Environment, Biodiversity, and Climate Change Working Group, emphasized that historically, every drought period has been followed by rainy periods. If the rainfall amounts to approximately double that of October, the filling rate of Tahtalı Dam could rise to %20.

Groundwater and Izmir's Water Crisis

Yaşar pointed out that the situation was good when the dam was full from 2009 to 2019, stating, "Especially last year, there was almost no rain. This situation applies not only to Izmir but to Western Anatolia in general. The difference with Izmir is that a large part of the water supply comes from underground. Twenty to thirty years ago, groundwater was extracted from 40-50 meters, but it has now dropped to 450 meters. Even though the dam's water level was around %60 in 2022, groundwater extraction continues. This will lead to the depletion of aquifers. During the drought after 2035, groundwater may have to be drawn from depths of 1000-1200 meters," he said.

Hope from Çiğli Treatment Plant

Yaşar stated that recovering the gray water from the Çiğli Treatment Plant for agriculture is a vital step for Izmir, mentioning that 500,000 cubic meters of water is produced daily from the plant. Treating this water and supplying it to the Menemen and Gediz plains could help stop the depletion of groundwater and allow aquifers to recharge. When necessary, reusing these wells could make Izmir's water resources sustainable.