Impacts of Covid-19 on Water Consumption and Reservoirs: A Case Study in Ankara, Turkey

Monthly water reservoir levels and water consumption in Ankara, as well as the effects of Covid-19 on the water environment, were analysed in this study. Changes in reservoir levels were more steady in Camlidere and more responsive to rainfall and water usage in Kurtbogazi, which might be explained by different reservoir capacities and areas. Even if the population growth rate decreased in 2020, water consumption in March, April, May, and June was higher than it was from 2016 to 2019, most likely as a result of national guidance and regulations related to the Covid-19, with an emphasis on handwashing and other public health measures. Given the pressures on water systems arising under climate change or through further pandemics, it is critical to have publicly accessible real-time water data and to analyse them on a regular basis. This will help in the early detection of any stress on water resources and assist authorities in developing sustainable management plans