Canakkale natural water sources, Guzelyali creek, Saricay and Kepez creek identification and comparative analysis of water quality

Canakkale, Turkey, as in almost all, is not rich in water resources. However, more than half of the province is covered with forests in terms of its surface area and this alone is a guarantee of continuation of water resources for future generations inheriting a relatively fortunate situation. As of year 2010, the ratio of the population of Çanakkale city center to the total population of the province is approximately 22%. Çanakkale provides its water from the Atikhisar Dam. The Atikhisar Dam is situated on the Sarıçay, which is 40 km in length. To date, specific data about water quality studies have been performed on Atikhisar Dam and some water quality parameters have been evaluated after the Sarıçay. Yet, a specific study has not been performed on the Sarıçay. Up to now, no studies have been completed in terms of water quality in the Kepez Creek. On the other hand, being at the coastal region and having smaller total lengths, there water resources have not thought to be comprehensively studied.In this study, Sarıçay, Kepez Stream and Güzelyali Streamlet were selected to evaluate water quality for their selected physical, chemical and biological properties. Established the relationship between the rainfall events (wet periods), the water quality and pollutant sources of water sources were also tried to be investigated. Since Güzelyalı Streamlet has been generally dry since the summer of 2008, only one sampling was provided data on its water quality. A total of 13 samplings within the scope of this study were completed between the years of 2010 and 2011 and seasonal changes in water quality parameters were comparatively evaluated.