Istanbul to get new dam to address shortage

A new dam will be built in Istanbul with a view to increase the quality of drinking water in the city as well as prevent water pollution caused by city life. With Büyükçekmece Lake becoming unusable due to the increase in lime, phosphate and pollution levels, officials have agreed to a plan to build a new dam lake for potable water, within a project undertaken by the General Directorate of State Hydraulic Works (DSİ). The feasibility study for the project was conducted by the DSİ, and it is planned that the new dam will distribute the clean water coming from the forests directly to the city without exposing it to any pollution. Covering an area of 7,200 hectares in the forests of Çatalca, the dam will directly affect Dağyenice, Kızılcaali, Kestanelik and Örcünlü villages in the district. The basin, which has been classified as a preservation area, will be expropriated by the water board "Water Supply and Sanitation in Istanbul" (İSKİ), according to the plan displaying the capacity of the dam and how much water it can hold and the restricted construction around the area. Moreover, the water level of Büyükçekmece Lake, which is highly polluted due to urbanization and industrialization, will be reduced. DSİ intends to prevent pollution in the water sources that feeds the lake, and the establishment aims to collect water from its source away from the city. Construction restrictions around Büyükçekmece Lake will be determined in accordance with the plans of the new dam.