Water Supply to Bodrum Limited Due to Concerns Over Dams
Dams raise alarm: Water will be supplied to Bodrum on a rotating basis
The popular holiday city of Bodrum is facing a water crisis as the water level in the Mumcular and Geyik dams has significantly dropped, leading to a disruption in the water supply. In response, the General Directorate of Muğla Metropolitan Municipality Water and Sewerage Administration (MUSKI) has announced that water will be provided to the district on a rotating basis.
The drought situation in Bodrum has become a cause for concern, prompting authorities to take immediate action. MUSKI stated that they are working diligently to address the water shortage and minimize its impact on the daily lives of the citizens. The dams, which supply water to the entire Bodrum Peninsula, have reached critically low levels, rendering the Mumcular and Güvercinlik drinking water treatment plants inoperative. Consequently, the water supply to the peninsula has decreased by approximately 57% compared to normal conditions, necessitating the implementation of a rotating water supply system.
In an effort to alleviate the situation, MUSKI has introduced additional measures. A new water source project has been initiated, and a source capable of providing 90 liters of water per second has been included in the system. The Mumcular drinking water treatment facility has been partially operationalized at 30% capacity since October 16, 2023, resulting in the resumption of water transmission. Furthermore, efforts are underway to enhance the capacity of the Güvercinlik Drinking Water Treatment Facility by providing additional resources that will supply 150 liters of water per second. These enhancements are scheduled to be completed by October 24, 2023.
In conjunction with these measures, MUSKI has completed the installation of a deep well in the Konacık District, which has contributed to the availability of additional water. Similarly, work in the Akçaalan District has concluded, allowing for the supply of water to the higher areas experiencing difficulties. Efforts are also ongoing for the commissioning of a well in the Yokuşbaşı District, which is expected to be completed by October 20, 2023. This will provide additional water to that region.
To address the water needs of upper elevations in Karabağlar and İslamhaneleri neighborhoods, water deliveries by tanker have commenced, alleviating the hardships faced by residents in these areas. Additionally, investments set to be completed in November will provide an additional 100 liters per second from the Mumcular basin, as well as 175 liters per second from the Çamköy basin, totaling 275 liters per second. These additional water resources will cater to the needs of approximately 125,000 residents in the Bodrum district.
With these ongoing and upcoming projects, MUSKI aims to mitigate the water crisis in Bodrum and ensure that the water needs of the population are met. The implementation of a rotating water supply system and the introduction of new water sources are crucial steps towards overcoming this challenging situation. The concerted efforts of various stakeholders will contribute to the reduction of the region’s suffering and maintain the sustainability of water supply in Bodrum.
