Drought Threatens the Future of Lake Sapanca

Lake Sapanca is the city’s largest source of drinking water. However, due to drought and irresponsible usage, the water level of Lake Sapanca has receded by 15 to 20 meters inland from the shoreline. It has been determined that the water loss experienced since 2023 is equivalent to Sakarya’s annual water consumption.

Lake Sapanca and Drought

In response to this situation, the Sakarya Metropolitan Municipality Water and Sewerage Administration (SASKİ) issued a call to the public for water conservation, warning against the dangers posed by drought and unconscious usage threatening the future of Lake Sapanca.

Sapanca Lake

While in previous years the effects of drought emerged in the later months of summer, this year, the impact has become visible at the beginning of the season due to a lack of expected rainfall and careless water consumption. As the lake’s water level dropped to 30.20 meters, a broad water-saving campaign was launched.

Lake Sapanca and Drought

Reiterating its call for water conservation, SASKİ made the following statement:

“Lake Sapanca is one of Turkey’s rare drinkable water sources. With its exceptional drinking water quality, we are working to protect this precious lake. Unfortunately, drought and unconscious water consumption are causing serious losses. A water level decrease of 2 meters and 6 centimeters over the past two years highlights the gravity of the situation. This loss is equivalent to our city’s average annual water consumption. We are working to instill a sense of responsible use in every citizen. Over the past two years, we have lost 60 million cubic meters of water due to drought. Together, through responsible and conscious usage, we must protect Lake Sapanca.”