21.05.2026 00:40
Heavy rains effective across Turkey have brought dams to full capacity, triggering evacuation operations against the risk of overflow. At the Demirköprü Dam in Manisa, water reaching critical levels is being transferred to the Marmara Lake for the first time in years in a controlled manner, both to prevent potential flooding and to revive the dried-up lake.
The Manisa Governorate announced that water will be transferred from the Demirköprü Dam, whose water level has increased due to effective rains this year, to Lake Marmara.
LAKE SURFACE FORMED AGAIN
According to the statement from the Governorate, with the 2026 precipitation exceeding seasonal norms, water levels not seen for many years have been reached in the Demirköprü Dam.
It has been observed that, with the recent rains, the lake surface has formed again in Lake Marmara, registered as a 'Wetland of National Importance,' located within the boundaries of the Salihli, Saruhanlı, and Gölmarmara districts of the city.
A FIRST IN YEARS: WATER TO BE DRAINED
According to the plan, within the scope of the irrigation period expected to begin in June, water will start to be transferred from the Demirköprü Dam to Lake Marmara in order to meet the water needs in all irrigation areas extending from Salihli to Menemen.
Meanwhile, it was stated that analysis studies are ongoing by the 2nd Regional Directorate of State Hydraulic Works (DSI) regarding directing the Ahmetli, Sart, Tabakçayı, Kurşunlu, and Gümüş streams, which come from Bozdağlar, into the lake.
GOVERNOR ÖZKAN: WE HOPE THE LAKE RETURNS TO ITS FORMER DAYS
In the statement, Manisa Governor Vahdettin Özkan, whose views were included, drew attention to the increasing effects of global warming and drought, stating that Lake Marmara holds great importance for the local people, natural life, and the ecosystem.
Governor Özkan, stating that they aim to revitalize Lake Marmara through the studies conducted by DSI, said, "With the recent rains, the filling rates in our dams have increased. The water level of the Demirköprü Dam has also reached a good state. We hope that with the water transfer to be made as of May 21, 2026, the lake will return to its former days and a productive irrigation season will be experienced for our farmers."