If we do not take precautions today, we will not have drinking water tomorrow!

The Middle East is experiencing one of the driest periods in recent years. Iran has resorted to cloud seeding operations as a last-ditch effort to increase rainfall. In our country, drinking water resources are sounding the alarm. Evaluating the water crisis occurring both regionally and nationally, Dr. Ahmet Adiller stated, “The water crisis is not only an environmental issue; it has also become a threat to public health, food security, and economic stability.”

Reminding that the direct daily water consumption of a person living in a major city is roughly 200 liters, while their indirect daily water consumption can exceed 4,000 liters, Dr. Adiller added that more than 12,000 liters of water are consumed in the production processes of a single smartphone. He noted that millions of liters of water could be saved annually simply by changing consumption habits.

Dr. Ahmet Adiller, Head of the Environmental Health Program at Üsküdar University, evaluated the water crisis occurring at both national and regional scales.

The water crisis is not just an environmental problem

Emphasizing that water is one of the most fundamental needs and building blocks of all living beings, Dr. Adiller said, “The rising temperatures of recent summer months, drought, and the irregular precipitation pattern caused by climate change, along with the increased water demand during these months, have led to a severe water crisis in many regions of our country. This crisis is not only an environmental problem; it has also become a threat to public health, food security, and economic stability. Especially in our country, the inconsistent distribution of water resources and population leads to major water shortages in regions where water resources are limited and population density is high.”

25% of the global population cannot fully access safe and clean drinking water

Dr. Adiller explained that the decrease in drinking water poses serious health risks, particularly because declining water quality allows microorganisms that may cause disease to reproduce more easily. He added, “When access to adequate and clean water is not possible, infectious diseases increase, hygiene conditions deteriorate, and public health is negatively affected. Children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic conditions are especially vulnerable. According to World Health Organization data, 25% of the world’s population, which is one out of every four people, still cannot fully access safe and clean drinking water. As a result, more than one million people lose their lives every year.”

Most water consumption occurs in industry and agriculture

Highlighting that water scarcity affects not only daily life but also agricultural and industrial production, Dr. Adiller stated, “In our country and many others, most water consumption occurs in industry and agriculture. Water scarcity reduces agricultural production and crop yields, which can lead to rising food prices, increased dependency on imports, and weakened food security. Water shortages in industry directly increase production costs, negatively affecting the economy.”

More than 12,000 liters of water are consumed during the production of a single smartphone

Pointing out that many countries in our region are also experiencing water shortages, Dr. Adiller continued his remarks as follows: “Studies show that Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries are among the most affected by climate change. Therefore, our citizens have significant responsibilities not only during the peak water-shortage months of summer but throughout the entire year. Alongside reducing their direct daily water usage as much as possible, individuals must recognize that they indirectly consume water through every product they purchase. Today, the direct daily water consumption of a person living in a major city is roughly 200 liters, but their indirect water consumption can exceed 4,000 liters. For example, more than 12,000 liters of water are consumed in the production of a single smartphone. From this perspective, changing consumption habits can lead to millions of liters of water savings annually. In addition to daily water-saving practices, adopting small yet effective methods such as rainwater harvesting and supporting modern irrigation systems in agriculture is critically important.”

Decreasing water resources cause irreversible damage to ecosystems

Warning that without effective measures against the water crisis, both environmental health and the economy could suffer severe consequences nationwide, Dr. Adiller emphasized, “The depletion of water resources creates irreversible damage to ecosystems, and disruptions in agriculture and industry bring many negative economic consequences from unemployment to inflation.”

Drying reservoirs are concrete indicators of the water crisis

Dr. Adiller added that the complete depletion of water in some reservoirs is a concrete indicator of the water crisis. He said, “For provinces on the brink regarding drinking water resources, infrastructure investments must be accelerated, and the water needed by citizens must be secured. Municipalities, local governments, and NGOs must take more active steps to inform the public. Educational campaigns, promotion of conservation techniques, and public participation in water management processes are crucial parts of this effort. Many lakes that periodically dry up have shown a decline in water levels of nearly 50% on average. Considering climate change, population growth, and poor water policies, sustainable water management is no longer a choice but a necessity. If no action is taken today, water scarcity will become not just a regional but a nationwide crisis.”