| Ebru Bozkurt Lawyer |
INTRODUCTION
1. Presidential Action Plan
The Water Efficiency Strategy Document and Action Plan (2023-2033), published by the Presidency, presents a comprehensive plan aimed at utilizing Turkey’s water resources more efficiently.¹ This strategy establishes objectives particularly concerning the management, protection, and efficient use of water, while also envisaging the enhancement of efficiency in agricultural irrigation and industrial usage.
The primary objectives of the Water Efficiency Strategy Document and Action Plan focus on the sustainable protection and effective utilization of water resources. Primarily, it is aimed to achieve water conservation with the purpose of employing existing water resources more efficiently. Within this scope, increasing water efficiency in agricultural irrigation and promoting more sustainable irrigation methods carry significant importance. Similarly, in the industrial sector, it is aimed to render water usage more efficient, thereby supporting the utilization of innovative technologies that will ensure water conservation in production processes. Furthermore, by taking various measures to prevent water losses and protect water, it is targeted to transfer natural water resources to future generations in a healthy manner.
This strategy, covering the years 2023-2033, encompasses specific action steps and its implementation is mandatory for all relevant institutions. The Action Plan will ensure that necessary steps to achieve these objectives are taken within a specified timetable, and responsible institutions will be designated to record progress in accordance with the strategy.
2. Water Efficiency Regulation
The Water Efficiency Regulation, constituting one of the most significant steps in the implementation of this strategy within the framework of the Action Plan, was published in the Official Gazette dated 27 December 2024 and numbered 32765, thereby entering into force.² The Regulation governs the principles and procedures regarding the establishment and certification of water efficiency systems to be implemented across all sectors for the purpose of protecting and efficiently using water resources, as well as the preparation, implementation, and monitoring of provincial water efficiency plans.
The Water Efficiency Regulation aims to ensure the sustainable use of water resources and prevent water wastage. This regulation presents rules and guidelines promoting water conservation across a broad spectrum, from individuals to industry, from agriculture to public institutions. Simultaneously, it targets the protection of existing resources so that future generations may possess clean and accessible water.
Within the scope of the Regulation, the persons obligated to obtain a water efficiency certificate are, in general terms, enterprises operating in the industrial field, public institutions, municipalities, ports and shopping centers, tourism enterprises, plazas, and enterprises engaged in agricultural irrigation.
The Regulation envisages a transition period for all these enterprises and institutions. Periods ranging from 18 to 24 months are envisaged for the establishment of systems compliant with the certificates stipulated in the Regulation.
Pursuant to the Regulation, the water efficiency certificate to be issued to responsible parties shall be arranged in three levels: blue, green, and turquoise. The Turquoise Water Efficiency Certificate shall be issued to those who establish the necessary systems on a voluntary basis. Application for the Blue Water Efficiency Certificate shall be made by those obligated to establish the water efficiency system. Activities determined to be responsible for obtaining the Blue Water Efficiency Certificate are obligated to apply for the Green Water Efficiency Certificate within a maximum of three years following their acquisition of the blue water efficiency certificate.
The validity of the Blue Water Efficiency Certificate varies depending on the type of activities obtaining the certificate. For the activities specified in paragraph (a) of the second paragraph of Article 13 of the Regulation, the validity of the blue water efficiency certificate is determined as three years, whereas for other activities specified in paragraph (b), it is determined as five years. Green and turquoise water efficiency certificates are valid for a period of five years.
Each year, certificate-holding activities shall be examined on-site by the Ministry, and in these examinations, the compliance of the activities with the criteria established in the Regulation shall be verified.
3. ISO 46001 Water Efficiency Management System
The ISO 46001 Water Efficiency Management System is an international standard established to enable organizations to render their water usage more efficient and ensure the sustainability of water resources.³ This standard presents a comprehensive approach towards the effective management of water and determines the necessary steps for the reduction of environmental impacts. The establishment of a water efficiency system assists organizations in fulfilling their environmental responsibilities by consuming water resources less.
ISO 46001 serves as a guide particularly for public institutions and private sector organizations wishing to manage water consumption more efficiently. This standard ensures that organizations achieve water conservation, minimize water losses, and reduce their environmental impacts by systematically regulating water management processes. Furthermore, it presents an important framework for businesses in terms of legal compliance, since environmental laws and water management regulations in Turkey encourage compliance with ISO 46001 standards. In other words, implementing these standards offers businesses a significant advantage both in terms of fulfilling environmental responsibilities and ensuring compliance with existing environmental legislation. This certificate, counted among the conditions for obtaining the Green Water Efficiency Certificate, shall not be requested in initial certificate applications but only during renewal periods.
The ISO 46001 Water Efficiency Management System Certificate is issued by the Turkish Standards Institution (TSE). Obtaining this certificate constitutes a critical step in enabling institutions to make their preparations in the field of water efficiency prior to the entry into force of the Water Efficiency Regulation. Acquiring the certificate assists businesses not only in fulfilling their environmental responsibilities but also in meeting legal requirements.
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, the Water Efficiency Strategy Document and Action Plan (2023-2033) together with the Water Efficiency Regulation present a comprehensive framework aimed at ensuring Turkey’s sustainable and effective use of water resources. The regulations introduced to increase water conservation in agricultural, industrial, and public sectors carry great importance in terms of reducing water losses and promoting innovative technologies. This process, supported by international standards such as ISO 46001, contributes both to the fulfillment of environmental responsibilities and to ensuring legal compliance, thereby targeting the transfer of healthy water resources to future generations.
¹ Republic of Turkey Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, “Water Efficiency Strategy Document and Action Plan (2023-2033)”, Access Date: 09.01.2025 https://suverimliligi.gov.tr/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/SU-VERIMLILIGI-STRATEJI-BELGESI-ve-EYLEM-PLANI_dikey_260923.pdf
² Republic of Turkey Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, “Water Efficiency Regulation (Official Gazette Date: 27.12.2024, Number: 32765)”, Access Date: 09.01.2025 https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2024/12/20241227-3.htm
³ Turkish Standards Institution (TSE), “TS ISO 46001 Water Efficiency Management System”, Access Date: 09.01.2025 https://www.tse.org.tr/ts-iso-46001-su-verimliligi-yonetim-sistemi/