In recent years, pollution problems have been experienced in Eğirdir Lake in Isparta’s Eğirdir district, which is known as “seven-colored” and attracts many visitors with its natural beauty due to the drought. In order to prevent pollution, the “Water Transfer Project from the Catchment Area to Eğirdir Lake” was prepared by the 18th Regional Directorate of the State Hydraulic Works.
The project aims to transport approximately 40 million cubic meters of water from the Bağıllı-Ayvalıpınar to Köprüçay to Eğirdir Lake through a 14-kilometer pipeline. Prof. Dr. Fahrettin Küçük, a faculty member at the Eğirdir Faculty of Aquatic Sciences at Isparta University of Applied Sciences, expressed concerns about the drought and pollution that have occurred in Eğirdir Lake, Turkey’s fourth largest lake, from 1986 to the present.
Küçük stressed the importance of leaving some water from the surrounding dams to the lake. He emphasized that the lake is Turkey’s second largest freshwater source. Küçük stated that the project prepared by the State Hydraulic Works is important for saving the lake, as it is necessary to increase the inputs and reduce the outputs of the lake for its conservation.
Küçük highlighted the importance of the State Hydraulic Works’ water supply project from the Köprüçay Basin, stating that although basin transfers may not be very suitable for biodiversity, it is essential to implement this project. He also pointed out that there are many dams on the main sources feeding the lake, such as Akçay, Pupa, and Değirmençay, and stressed the importance of leaving a certain amount of water from sources other than drinking water.
Küçük mentioned the tragic examples of drying lakes around the world and stated that large projects implemented in a timely manner are crucial for saving lakes. DSİ 18th Regional Director Osman Erkan announced that the preliminary tender for the project they prepared for Eğirdir Lake was held in March, and the construction tender will be held in the first half of 2025.
Erkan stated that the main outlines of the project have been completed and they plan to transfer water to Eğirdir Lake with a 14-kilometer pipeline and a 85-meter pump. He mentioned that they have proposed to transfer approximately 40 million cubic meters of water to the lake, which will be vital for revitalizing the lake.
