SECTORAL WATER ALLOCATION PLANS (SWAPS)

As the population and urbanization increase, and due to the change in precipitation and temperature regimes in consequence of global climate change, the fair and balanced distribution of available water resources among users has become even more crucial. Sectoral Water Allocation Plans are prepared to ensure the sharing of water resources at the basin and sectoral sub-basin scale. The plans also consider covering the water demands of each sector on a fair basis, taking into account the socio-economic conditions and demands in the future.

The adaptation of the use of water resources to climate change, the distribution of the benefits obtained from the use of water, the dry period scenarios, the effects of the sectors on each other and on the water resources are taken into consideration in preparation of Sectoral Water Allocation Plans. In the axis of water resources potential, their change and sectoral developments, the most beneficial sectoral water use cases and the amount of water resources that are foreseen to be allocated for the sectors are determined. The economic value created by the amount of water allocation are determined.

To date, Sectoral Water Allocation Plans have been completed in six basins (Akarçay, Burdur, Gediz, Konya Kapalı, Küçük Menderes and Seyhan). Plans are being prepared in 11 basins (Antalya, Aras, Batı Akdeniz, Batı Karadeniz, Büyük Menderes, Çoruh, Doğu Akdeniz, Doğu Karadeniz, Kızılırmak, Kuzey Ege and Marmara), six of which will be prepared within the scope of the "Technical Assistance Project on Preparation of River Basin Management Plans for Six Basins". Sectoral Water Allocation Plans for eight basins (Asi, Ceyhan, Fırat-Dicle, Meriç-Ergene, Sakarya, Susurluk, Yeşilırmak and Van Gölü) are at planning stage.