A Glance at One Decade of Water Occupancy Rates of Maksutlu Dam Lake, Sivas, Turkey

Abstract

This study focuses on the water occupancy rates of Maksutlu Dam Lake in Sivas of Turkey between 2010-2019. While the highest occupancy rate of Maksutlu Dam Lake was found as 32.36% in 2011, the lowest occupancy rate was determined as 2.50% in 2014. The average occupancy rate was calculated as 16.33±11.44 between 2010 and 2019. This shows that approximately eighty percent of Maksutlu Dam Lake has been empty at one decade. Accordingly, it was determined that there was a significant decrease in water occupancy rates in Maksutlu Dam Lake between 2010-2019 due to drought. Therefore, the water of Maksutlu Dam Lake should be used rationally. In addition, it is very important to take the necessary precautions against the water crisis that will occur in dry periods and to prepare a water management plan for Maksutlu Dam Lake.