Wastewater Treatment Action Plan 2017 2023.

The Wastewater Treatment Action Plan is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The timeframe of the Action Plan is 7 years between 2017 and 2023. The purposes of this Action Plan are effective wastewater management, wastewater recycling and reuse, and integrated catchment management in order to meet the water needs and increase water quality.
This Action Plan puts emphasis on the protection of surface water and groundwater resources and water quality in 25 watershed in Turkey. Water quality assessments are carried out to classify water pollution and thereby measures will be taken against water pollution arising from urban settlements and industries. In addition to this, the adverse impacts of agriculture, animal husbandry, use of fertilizers, unsustainable land use practices and septic tanks to water quality will be prevented and minimized. Infrastructure will be developed, especially for sewerage system in urban areas in order to prevent leakage of wastewater into freshwater resources. Freshwater resources will be protected against the discharge of urban wastewater, sewerage, solid waste, plant protection products, residues of chemical fertilizer, deforestation and unsustainable agricultural practices. To this end, the enforcement of related legislations will be strengthened for pollution control, wastewater recycling and reuse, treatment of contaminated water, and ecosystem restoration. Standards will be developed for the protection of environment, freshwater resources and water quality in accordance with the sustainable development goals. This Action Plan addresses population increase and overexploitation of water as reasons for water shortage, water pollution and environmental degradation. Wetland conservation will be ensured with an ecosystem-based approach. Strategies will be developed for clean production and integrated pollution control. The monitoring of the quality and quantity of surface water and groundwater resources will be strengthened. The inventory of hazardous substances discharged to water resources will be made with precautionary approach. The wastewater treatment facilities will be supported by the Government in order to increase water quality and protect the environment. The inspection over enterprises will be strengthened and they will be promoted to implement clean production programmes and projects. The cooperation and coordination between relevant governmental institutions will be strengthened for effective watershed management. Institutional capacity will be enhanced at national and local level to improve wastewater treatment, life quality and environmental protection. The national watershed classification system will be developed to enable protection and sustainable use of water resources. Information systems will be updated according to the latest technological enhancements. Financial mechanisms will be improved through investments.
The adverse impacts of climate change on water quality and quantity will be assessed. Therefore, measures will be taken to cope with drought and prevent pollution.