Quantifying Water Scarcity in Turkey

This study provides a quantitative assesment of water resources in Turkey in order to diagnose the water scarcity in the country. To this end, water stress indices are calculated which serve a multi-dimensional analysis by linking water scarcity to variables of population, income, pollution, withdrawals and social adaptive capacity. Results of the calculations are used to portray whether access to water and water poverty are directly or indirectly related. In view of its findings, the paper argues that water resources should not be managed according to the neoliberal rules of scarce resources, which may eventually make water unaffordible for the poor. The paper brings attention to the need for a socially equitable water policy and calls for a rapid agenda for the implementation of EU Water Framework Directive.