18.06.2025 14:20
As interest in mineral water sources known as "healing" or "bitter water" among the public in Trabzon increases, experts are warning against consuming these waters without analysis. Prof. Dr. Fatma Gültekin from KTÜ emphasized that these waters may contain heavy metals and harmful substances, stating that uncontrolled consumption could pose health risks.
Local and foreign tourists in Trabzon are showing interest in mineral water sources, which are commonly referred to as 'healing water' and also called 'bitter water' due to the bitter taste it leaves in the mouth. Prof. Dr. Fatma Gültekin from Karadeniz Technical University (KTÜ) stated that using water sources without analyzing them poses risks, saying, "Excessive ions, heavy metals, and harmful parameters that mix with water due to human activities in the environment can pose health risks."
The Eastern Black Sea region is notable not only for its magnificent nature but also for its rich underground water resources. Tourists, both local and foreign, who suffer from kidney stones, stomach ailments, skin, and eye diseases, are showing interest in mineral water sources, which are commonly referred to as 'healing water' and also called 'bitter water' due to the bitter taste it leaves in the mouth. Experts warning about the consumption of low-flow mineral waters from various areas recommend consuming water that is certified and analyzed, away from agricultural areas.
20 SOURCES HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED IN TRABZON
Prof. Dr. Fatma Gültekin, Head of the Department of Geological Engineering at KTÜ, stated that using natural water sources without content analysis is risky for health and drew attention to the usage areas of water sources. Prof. Dr. Gültekin said, "In the Eastern Black Sea region, there are low-flow waters, scientifically referred to as mineral water, which are high in ion content and commonly called spring water. These waters flow from different areas, regions, and in varying amounts. Each has different characteristics. Some of these waters have been identified by various state institutions. The Mineral Research and Exploration Institute has identified the existence of approximately 20 sources in Trabzon through its studies. Routine chemical analyses of the sources have shown that a large portion is insufficient in terms of flow and discharge, and therefore, further studies have not continued."
"IT MAY POSE HEALTH RISKS"
Prof. Dr. Fatma Gültekin pointed out that mineral waters are consumed randomly and uncontrollably, stating, "There are some issues we need to pay attention to when evaluating water sources. We hear that a source has dried up somewhere and that the water here is healing. The public uses these waters without knowing what is in them. While it may be beneficial, excessive ions, heavy metals, and harmful parameters that mix with water due to human activities can also pose health risks. These sources need to be analyzed, and their characteristics determined. It is important to identify these waters, which are used consciously or unconsciously by the local population, and to present them to the public under hygienic conditions," she said.
"THEY CAN CONSULT FOR ANALYSIS OF WATER SOURCES"
Gültekin emphasized that water sources will become much more valuable in the future, saying, "If there is an agricultural area around a water source in the area you visit, you should try not to drink from there. Because fertilization and pesticide application are done in every way. If it flows from a proper tap and there is no settlement area around, it is beneficial to use these sources. I recommend not using water that comes from swamps. Water has become very important for our lives in recent years. The human population is increasing, but water resources are fixed. We must protect our waters. If we see mineral waters around us, we must also protect them to avoid pollution. Our citizens can consult the relevant authorities and us for the analysis of water sources," she said.
"WE BELIEVE IT IS NATURAL AND HEALING"
Ayfer Demireren, who consumes healing water in the region, said, "This water is about 200 years old. It flows cold in summer and hot in winter. We do not know its source, but we believe it is a natural and healing water. We use it to fill our bottles and drink. For years, we have referred to it as 'the water of the kul'. Everyone from young to old drinks it. We have not heard of anyone getting poisoned or feeling unwell. My mother also prefers to drink this water instead of bottled water," she said. Coşkun Komar also stated, "I think the spring waters in the village should not be consumed without analysis. As far as I know from my family, the bitter water in Araklı is good for kidney stones and is healing. Every water flowing in the villages mixes with the soil. Citizens can also drink it unknowingly," he said.