Anthropogenic Impacts on Groundwater Resources and Legal-Administrative Approach in Türkiye

The main anthropogenic impacts on groundwater resources in Türkiye may be divided into four, as overexploitation (excessive use), pollution, preventing recharge by covering with impermeable materials, and destroying the aquifer by excavation. Excessive use of groundwater primarily causes a decrease in water level and quality deterioration. Industrialization, urbanization and agricultural activities are the biggest polluting threats. Most cities in Türkiye are located on valuable alluvial and limestone aquifers. Groundwater recharge is altered and reduced due to the covering with impermeable materials such as roofs, asphalt and concrete roads, parking lots, and pavements in urban areas. Sand-gravel and stone quarries are the other threat on groundwater resources. There is a comprehensive legislation on groundwater in Türkiye that started in 1960 and developed over time. However, significant problems still persist and are even growing. The gaps in the legislation against some anthropogenic impacts on groundwater and sometimes the failure to implement the legislation weaken the sustainable protection of groundwater resources. Groundwaters in Türkiye, which is already under the impact of drought and global climate change, should be evaluated as a strategic resource and protected for future generations. A new paradigm is needed to overcome the problems created by anthropogenic and natural impacts.