Türkiye's drought and water scarcity management: Policy, administration and implementation

Concerns over the depletion of water resources due to drought, water scarcity, and climate change have gained increasing attention both globally and in Türkiye in recent years. This study aims to examine the implications of drought and water scarcity for Turkish public administration in terms of public policy, administrative structure, and governance practices. Accordingly, the conceptual and theoretical framework is presented first, followed by an overview of global administrative trends, and then an analysis of Türkiye's policies, institutional structure, and practices during the Republican period. The primary threat these phenomena pose to public administrations is the reduction in both the quantity and quality of water resources. Therefore, the study is grounded in efforts to preserve these two dimensions. Turkish public administration has developed various policies aligned with global practices; however, those addressing the quantitative aspect of water emerged relatively late. While multiple units are tasked with water management, recent institutional arrangements show increasing concern over drought and scarcity. Legal measures to protect water quality were enacted earlier, whereas regulations focusing on quantity have only recently been implemented. Although management planning and infrastructure investments are proceeding as intended, progress in efficient irrigation, use of alternative water sources, and awareness-raising remains limited. Based on the findings, the study offers forward-looking administrative recommendations for water resource protection.