Efficient Management of Water Resources Is Critical

The Importance of Efficient Management of Water Resources On the occasion of World Water Day on 22 March, celebrated this year under the theme "Accelerating change through partnerships and collaboration," Tayfun Küçükoğlu, Chairman of the Board of Türkiye İMSAD, stated that the amount of water per capita in Turkey is declining every year. Tayfun Küçükoğlu said, "Turkey is moving toward becoming a water-poor country. To prevent this situation, it is extremely important that we use our water resources correctly and consciously. We must create awareness that water is not an infinite resource." The 22 March International World Water Day, celebrated annually by the United Nations with a different theme each year to draw attention to the importance of fresh water resources and to ensure their sustainable management, is being celebrated this year under the theme "Accelerating change through partnerships and collaboration." Within this scope, to emphasize the vital importance of groundwater, the message was conveyed that "uniting around water and moving forward together is an opportunity for the world." Tayfun Küçükoğlu, Chairman of the Board of Türkiye İMSAD (Turkish Building Materials Manufacturers Association), made statements on the occasion of World Water Day.

"We must act with social awareness to prevent water waste"

Tayfun Küçükoğlu, noting that water, one of our most basic needs, holds vital importance in every aspect of our lives, said: "Due to rapid population growth, unconscious use and the effects of climate change, our country is experiencing a serious decline in the amount of water available per capita. According to State Water Works data, the annual usable water per capita in Turkey is 1,346 cubic meters. Looking at this figure, we can say that Turkey is a country experiencing 'water stress'. To prevent this situation, which raises concerns for the future, it is extremely important that we use our water resources correctly and consciously. To protect our existing water resources, reduce water consumption in industry with the help of new production technologies, and prevent water waste in irrigation and residential use, we must act with social awareness," he said.

"Water resources need to be managed efficiently"

Tayfun Küçükoğlu, who also listed recommendations on more responsible use of water resources, stated: "There is a need to create awareness among all sectors and users that water is not an infinite resource. It is important that activities are carried out in schools to raise awareness on this issue as well. Globally, 69 percent of consumed fresh water is used in agricultural areas. In the agricultural sector, where more than half of our water is consumed, modern irrigation techniques that will provide savings should be applied; efficient water use should be prioritized to obtain higher quality and greater quantities of products. On the other hand, the construction sector in our country uses 16 percent of water resources. We can control water consumption in industry and residential buildings through smart factory, smart building and smart city applications. No water is waste; we can recover all water. Conscious and efficient resource management is needed in many areas, including water consumption, wastewater management, greywater use and rainwater use. The collection of rainwater through cisterns and its utilization after a simple treatment process is also a very important gain. The contribution of these and similar applications to reducing the increasingly severe drought problem is an undeniable fact."

"We must protect and restore water-related ecosystems"

Tayfun Küçükoğlu, who stated "By 2030, we must ensure that everyone has access to safe and affordable drinking water, invest in infrastructure, build sanitation facilities and promote hygiene at every level," made the following recommendations regarding what the sector can do on this matter: "Every system in a building is related to water use. Water efficiency, indoor use, outdoor use, special uses and measurement should be considered and 'water' should be addressed holistically. Taking into account all water sources related to a building, including cooling towers, equipment, fixtures, fittings, process water and irrigation, water use measurement for buildings enables the identification of opportunities for water conservation in projects and allows water use to be monitored and controlled. Furthermore, if we want to alleviate water scarcity, we must protect and restore water-related ecosystems such as forests, mountains, wetlands and rivers. However, we must not forget that international cooperation is also needed to promote water efficiency and support treatment technologies," he said.