5Upper IntermediateExamEnvironment

Ankara's Dam Water Levels Rise After Record Drought Year

After suffering its worst drought in fifty years, Ankara's dams have shown a significant recovery. Water levels increased by nearly 13% compared to last year, but experts warn that the situation remains critical for the capital's six million residents.

2 min readLevel 5May 4, 2026

By Flalingo Editorial Team

Vocabulary

Study these words before reading the article. Click the audio button to hear pronunciation.

occupancy

/ˈɒkjʊpənsi/

noun

The amount of space or capacity that is being used, often expressed as a percentage.

“The dam occupancy rate increased after weeks of heavy rainfall.”

recovery

/rɪˈkʌvəri/

noun

The process of returning to a normal or better condition after a difficult period.

“The recovery of water levels brought relief to millions of residents.”

considerably

/kənˈsɪdərəbli/

adverb

By a large amount; much more than usual or expected.

“Rainfall this spring was considerably higher than in the previous year.”

caution

/ˈkɔːʃən/

verb

To warn someone about a possible danger or problem.

“Scientists caution that one good year does not mean the drought is over.”

sustainable

/səˈsteɪnəbl/

adjective

Able to continue over a long period without causing damage to the environment.

“Cities need sustainable water policies to protect their future supplies.”

essential

/ɪˈsenʃəl/

adjective

Completely necessary; something that must be done or had.

“Clean drinking water is essential for public health in every city.”

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Article

Click on any underlined word to see its definition. Highlighted words are from the vocabulary section.

Ankara, the capital of Türkiye, has received welcome news about its water supply. According to official data from ASKİ, the city's water authority, dam occupancy rates have risen significantly. The current level stands at 41.73%, which is a 12.74% increase from last year. This recovery comes after 2025, which was described as the worst drought in fifty years.

The data reveals an encouraging trend in the capital's water reserves. On April 27, 2025, the dams held only 421 million cubic metres of water. By the same date this year, that amount had climbed to 607 million cubic metres. The active usable water nearly doubled, rising from 232 million to 455 million cubic metres. These figures suggest that recent rainfall has been considerably more generous than before.

However, experts caution that the overall situation remains critical despite this improvement. During 2025, dam levels had dropped to dangerously low levels across Türkiye. Some reservoirs fell below 2%, and residents were forced to collect water from public fountains. Climate change was identified as a major factor behind the disrupted rainfall patterns. Officials warned that urban water management must improve to prevent future crises.

The broader implications of this issue extend beyond Ankara alone. If cities invested more in water conservation, future shortages would be less severe. Expanding rainwater collection systems and modernising old infrastructure are among the proposed strategies. Sustainable water use is no longer optional but essential for growing urban populations. The recovery in dam levels offers hope, yet it also serves as a reminder.

Comprehension Quiz

Test your understanding of the article with these multiple-choice questions.

1
What is the current dam occupancy rate in Ankara?
2
By how much did the dam occupancy rate increase compared to last year?
3
What was 2025 described as in relation to Türkiye's water supply?
4
How much water did Ankara's dams hold on April 27, 2026?
5
Which of the following is mentioned as a proposed strategy for preventing future water crises?

Discussion

Answer these comprehension questions about the article.

1
According to the article, what is the current dam occupancy rate in Ankara, and how does it compare to last year?
2
The author suggests that the situation remains critical despite the improvement. What evidence from the article supports this claim?
3
According to the passage, what happened to the active usable water amount between April 2025 and April 2026?
4
What does the article identify as a major factor behind the disrupted rainfall patterns in Türkiye?
5
The author implies that infrastructure improvements are needed. What specific strategies does the article mention to address water shortages?

Further Discussion

Share your opinions on these open-ended questions.

1
Do you think governments should restrict water use during droughts, or should people be trusted to save water voluntarily? Why?
2
If your city experienced a serious water shortage, how would it change your daily habits?
3
Some argue that climate change is the main cause of water crises, while others blame poor planning. Which view do you support, and why?
4
What role should ordinary citizens play in managing water resources in their communities?
5
How might growing urban populations make water management more difficult in the future?