Alarming Situation: Balıkesir’s Dams – Latest News from Turkey
The Balıkesir Metropolitan Municipality Water and Sewerage Administration (BASKİ) has issued a statement regarding the decreasing water levels in two dams in the region.
According to the statement, the water level in İkizcetepeler Dam in Altıeylül district has decreased to 17.11 percent, while in Yenice Dam in Gönen district it has decreased to 22.25 percent. As a result, the municipality is urging residents to be mindful of their water consumption.
The statement highlighted that 70 percent of water consumption in homes occurs in toilets and bathrooms. It was emphasized that repairing dripping or faulty taps can save up to 12,500 liters of water annually. In addition, a leaky toilet cistern can cause a loss of up to 700 liters of water per day, and replacing them with smaller volume models can help conserve water.
To further promote water conservation, residents were advised to turn down the valves of taps in bathrooms and toilets or install water-saving aerator accessories, which can save up to 50 percent of flowing water. The municipality also stressed the importance of daily habits, stating that by shortening the time spent in the bathroom by just one minute, a family of four can save 13,100 liters of water per year.
The statement also addressed water wastage during activities such as dishwashing and laundry. It was recommended not to run dishwashers and washing machines unless they are fully filled, and to use machines for washing dishes instead of hand washing to save up to 110 liters of water per wash. Similarly, washing vegetables and fruits in the machine instead of by hand can save approximately 9 tons of water annually.
Furthermore, the municipality suggested that farmers use drip irrigation methods to save water and consider using borehole water for garden irrigation instead of network water. They also advised using buckets to wash gardens, vehicles, and carpets instead of hoses or running water.
By following these simple tips and making small changes in daily routines, residents can contribute to significant water savings and help preserve this essential resource.
