When we realized our losses after the earthquake, we understood that we did not learn our lessons from previous earthquakes and that we were still unprepared. Therefore we told to ourselves , "We are at the point where the words end , nothing left to say". That is to say we are speechless after all those happened.
It was concrete that put an end to our words.
The concrete that destroyed the gathering areas, the rubble concrete that was used in the buildings that fell over us, the concrete that was poured on the green areas and plains those of which happened to be opened for construction , the concrete that killed plateaus and national parks for profit, the concrete that was put on the water basin lands...
Now it's almost time for us to say "We are almost at the point where the water shortages and scarcity is knocking our door".
You ask, why?
Because, Turkey is among the 80 countries in the world experiencing water scarcity.
Turkey is claimed to be in the medium-high risk group in the report of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, which predicts that there will be a risk of field water shortage that is used in agriculture in the near future. According to the index of water hazard to be experienced in agriculture, Turkey is shown among the first 15 countries with water stress risk in the 2024-2050 period.
To sum up; our country is becoming water poor.
The water of Konya Plain has been drained, how can it not be?
Our lakes are drying up, from Salda to Van, how can it not be?
Since the National Parks and fertile highlands have not been let to live by their own and not remained untouched anymore , since the tourist attraction has been supplied with freaky structures constructed on those fertile natural areas , how can it not be ?
There were some news about water shortage in Bursa recently in newspapers. Such news in a region like Marmara, in a province like Bursa with surroundings of a mountain above and a sea below is unbeliavable.
It was written that the occupancy rate of Nilüfer Dam with a capacity of 60 million cubic meters was reduced to 0 percent, while the occupancy rate of Doğancı Dam with a capacity of 40 million cubic meters decreased to 24 percent.
I don't know if measures are being taken against this severe problem, but the only thing I hear from the municipality directors is "please try to spare water with care" .
Is it enough!!!
However what are the measures for a real root solution?
Even England, which is among the countries that comes to mind when it comes to rain, started to take precautions in 2012 when it faced a little water shortage.
The fear of drought, the fear of thirst had taken over them even at that time, however we are still trying to create awareness on the subject in these days, more than a decate later
Anyway, let's get to the precautions.
BBC News asked scientists from various universities and compiled some headlines. Let's take a look:
The first notable measure is vineyard irrigation. It is said that; this work should be done in the form of drip irrigation instead of using a hose.
Investment in reservoirs should be considered, said the professors. In other words, they suggested building large storage pools where water can be collected when it becomes scarce.
Of course, it is a viable solution for us, too, as long as it is not done with the logic of supporting the businessmen who stand near to the government or local authorities.
Purifying sea water is also among the solutions.
Considering that Turkey is surrounded by seas on 3 sides, it stands for a possible solution for our country, too. Of course, only if it is realized with accurate costs and controlled application.
Otherwise, such an application without control means that we would have water, but on the cost of causing environmental pollution with the electrical energy to be used in purification and on the cost of disrupting the ecological balance of the seas. (Colin Green, Middkesex Uni.)
Another solution is to recyle wastewater. Honestly, like most people, I'm not keen on it. After all, how would that be to obtain clean usable water from unhygienic wastes?
As another solution, less water consumption is recommended to individual consumers, as our municipal administrators draw attention to.
It should really be applied if every individual is aware of the coming danger of water scarcity.
Not to waste water while brushing teeth, and even to finish our shower at least two minutes before instead of spending hours save cubic meters of water. Think about it, 24 liters of water is being wasted twice a day while we are brushing our teeth. Isn't it a pity!
On the other hand, it is recommended that we should wash our dishes and clothes in washing machines those of which are energy and water savers. Appropriate, proper precautions... Things that can be done individually... Why not to obey by drawing a little attention! A little awareness is enough to apply these individual measures against excess water use.
Controlling of migration was also added to the solutions by experts. For a country like ours, this is one of the most important measures to be taken into account.
We are a country that has a massive number of people migrating from east to west for years due to irregular, wrong regional industrialization policies by which the industry mostly concentrated in the west. Due to this we are putting much burden than their capacity and infrastructure on one or two regions.
At the same time, as a country that receives uncontrolled immigrants, isn't a bigger burden placed on the infrastructure and services such as water?
Beyond these, a Ministry of Water should be established that includes the evaluation of problems, solution proposals to them and implementation of these ideas.
Just like it was recommended to establish Ministry of Disaster after the earthquake, this would be a valid idea for water scarcity as well.
But this time that should be a ministry that comes with its solutions, comes with its inner or outer inspections, has a qualified staff and should be active before the disaster, not after it.
It might even be called the Ministry of Healing.
Everyone knows that water refers to healing, as long as we know its value.