Digital Turn in Water Management: Minister Yumaklı's Strategic Vision

Turkey stands at a watershed moment as climate change reshapes its water resources; Agriculture and Forestry Minister Yumaklı has signaled a shift toward a digital, data‑driven national water management framework.

Insights from the Global and Domestic Water Crisis

■The 2025 water year recorded a 26% drop in rainfall, making it the driest year in the past 52 years.

■The 2026 water year saw rainfall 30% above the long‑term average, marking one of the highest levels in the last 66 years.

■Reservoir fill rates have risen from 43% last year to 72% today.

■Water‑footprint studies have been completed in 8 basins (Sakarya, Susurluk, North Aegean, West Mediterranean, Büyük Menderes, Aras, Çoruh, Gediz); the 2030 target aims to finish these studies across all basins.

Policy Framework and Investment Landscape

■Of the 37 decisions taken by the National Water Council, 27 have been implemented, with the remaining 10 in progress.

■The Critical Water Law Draft, which has gathered over 2,000 stakeholder comments, has completed its technical preparation and is now open for review.

■The Water Efficiency Information System has attracted 6,000 users, and 120,000 certification applications are pending.

Technology, Sensors, and AI Integration

■Real‑time sensors and AI‑powered platforms deliver early‑warning risk assessments, accelerating decision‑making processes.

■The smart water management system aims to unify data across agencies, enabling simultaneous management of flood, drought, and wildfire risks.

■Modernizing wastewater treatment plants will boost reuse potential, enhancing water savings and cost efficiency.

Regional Deployments and Future Outlook

■1,831 dams and reservoirs are in active service; 25 river basins, of which 5 are transboundary, open avenues for regional cooperation.

■Over 30,000 flood maps and evacuation plans aligned with the EU Flood Directive have been prepared; Antalya Basin now has 196 settlements with 482 mitigation measures.

■Minister Yumaklı emphasized, “Our water policies must be future‑focused, not just about saving the day today.”

The digital transformation of water management extends beyond infrastructure upgrades to encompass data‑centric governance. This approach will mitigate Turkey’s climate risks, boost competitiveness in water‑intensive sectors, and serve as a pivotal catalyst for long‑term economic stability. Fatih Kılıç, Chief Data Scientist for Economic Indicators.