The Potentiality of Wastewater Use for Irrigation in Turkey

Abstract

Water is one of the most essential elements of life which makes up 3/4th of our planet. However, only 2.6 % of this water is available for usage. More water is needed for the world with increasing industrialization and population. Yet, both in Turkey and the world in general, the current use of water lacks a sustainability mentality. This, coupled with the increased need for more water, leads to a search for new sources of water. Thus, efforts are geared toward finding ways of utilizing the previously unused sources of water and/or recycling waste water. Even if these projects succeed, changing climates and global warming might have considerable negative effects on water resources, then sustainability and effective use become vital issues for these new sources of water as well the existing ones. This study examined possible use of treated wastewater over agricultural lands for irrigation purposes. It focused on effective ways in which treated water can be used for agricultural purposes. Sustainability and effective use are the vital issues for these new sources of water as well as the existing ones. Hence sustainable wastewater management was also discussed in this chapter.