The water supply of Tuz Gölü, the second-largest lake in Turkey, is deteriorating. Located in Central Turkey, the lake is drying up due to insufficient rainfall and excessive groundwater use. During the summer, a significant part of the lake almost completely dries up, posing a threat to local flamingos and other birds. Furthermore, this may affect people involved in salt extraction and tourists.
Tuz Gölü, known in English as Salt Lake, is located approximately 150 kilometers south of the Turkish capital, Ankara. It is one of the saltiest lakes in the world. The lake is quite shallow, with its depth in many places not exceeding 50 centimeters. Consequently, under the influence of strong summer sun, the water evaporates quickly.
The source of water for Tuz Gölü is rain and nearby bodies of water. However, the amount of precipitation in this region is extremely low. During the summer period, intense solar radiation leads to water evaporation. Additionally, some small rivers and streams that feed the lake are also drying up, exacerbating the water deficit in the lake.
When the water level in the lake drops, a white crust of salt appears in some areas, which is a characteristic feature of this lake. Nevertheless, the reduction in water volume causes difficulties for local animals and birds.
Another serious reason for the drying up is the active use of groundwater. Water is extracted from the ground in agricultural areas around the lake. In some places, water is pumped from wells without proper authorization. When there is little rain, and people continue to intensively use groundwater for farming, the water level falls. This deprives both the lake itself and other water sources in the vicinity of sufficient water.
Tuz Gölü is one of the most important sites for flamingos in Turkey. These birds use the lake to find food and lay eggs. In the shallow waters, they find small organisms that make up their diet. The presence of water provides them with a suitable place for nesting and raising chicks.
However, when the lake begins to dry up, it becomes harder for the birds to find food and safe places to live. In 2021, after the water level in the lake dropped significantly, a large population of flamingo chicks died, demonstrating the serious danger that water scarcity poses to these birds.
Tuz Gölü is important not only for birds but also for the economy of Turkey. A large amount of salt is mined here. When the water in the lake evaporates, salt remains on the ground, which is collected and used. This activity provides employment for many people. Moreover, the lake is known for its beauty, and tourists come here to take photos looking at their reflection in the shallow water. However, the constant drop in water levels could change the appearance of the lake, which would negatively affect the tourism sector.
The water deficit in Tuz Gölü indicates that the combination of low precipitation and excessive groundwater extraction is creating problems for the lake. To save the lake, it is necessary to control groundwater pumping, prevent water waste, and take care of surrounding water bodies. Such measures can help maintain the water level in the lake and ensure a safe habitat for flamingos and other living creatures.