Water Safety Warning from SUDER: Water Stress Deepens in Cities

SUDER emphasised the need to promote sustainable water management, resource conservation and efficient consumption practices in response to water stress intensifying due to the climate crisis.

Rising temperatures and drought risk accompanying global climate change are increasing pressure on water resources each year. In Europe, temperatures rising above long-term averages and the spread of drought conditions are making water security one of the most critical topics in cities' climate adaptation efforts.

The Packaged Water Producers Association (SUDER) assessed the climate crisis's impact on water resources and emphasised that water conservation, sustainable management and efficient use carry strategic importance both environmentally and economically.

Turkey among countries experiencing water stress
According to SUDER's assessment, Copernicus climate data shows temperatures running above long-term averages across much of Europe and drought conditions becoming increasingly widespread. Turkey, located in the Mediterranean Basin, is among the countries directly affected by this process.

The statement noted that when considering the amount of usable water per capita, Turkey falls into the category of "water-stressed countries," and that pressure on water resources could increase further if necessary measures are not taken.

"Water management requires a strategic approach"
SUDER Management Board Chair Yaşabey Kalebaşı stated that water must be evaluated as a strategic resource for the sustainability of life, not merely as a basic consumer product.

Kalebaşı noted that the climate crisis is increasing pressure on water resources and said that cities' resilience is directly linked to how water is protected and managed. He emphasised that the packaged water sector bears important responsibilities in protecting resources, ensuring access to safe water and supporting efficient use.

Sustainable production and resource conservation
The association stated that member companies are implementing practices aimed at protecting groundwater resources and contributing to sustainable management of natural resources by developing partnerships with public institutions, universities and local stakeholders.

The statement also noted that practices aimed at minimising water losses in production processes have been adopted, and work is continuing to reduce environmental impact through expanded use of recyclable packaging.

Water loss in home water treatment units highlighted
SUDER also drew attention to water losses occurring in home water treatment systems in terms of water resource conservation.

According to research titled "Assessment of Water Quality in Home Water Treatment Systems" conducted by Istanbul University's Faculty of Water Sciences, approximately 5 litres or more of water is wasted for every litre of drinking water obtained from home treatment units. The association noted that in water-stressed regions, this situation is an important factor that must be considered in terms of efficiency.

5.7 billion people may face water scarcity by 2040
SUDER recalled that international projections estimate that approximately 5.7 billion people worldwide could experience water scarcity by 2040, emphasising that efficient water use has become an economic and social necessity as much as an environmental one.

Kalebaşı stated that protection of groundwater and surface water resources, reduction of water losses and promotion of efficient water management practices across all sectors from agriculture to industry are of critical importance for ensuring water security in the future.