The opening program of the workshop, which will take place at PAU Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Yılmaz Congress and Culture Center on March 24–25, was attended by Denizli Governor Yavuz Selim Köşger, Denizli Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Bülent Nuri Çavuşoğlu, Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmud Güngör, President of the Türkiye Academy of Science, Research and Education Foundation Prof. Dr. Cumali Kınacı, Deputy General Director of DSİ Göktuğ İlter, Deputy General Director of General Directorate of Water Management Satuk Buğra Fındık, and General Director of DESKİ Egemen Emre Beşli.

The program began with protocol speeches, and the first speech was delivered by Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmud Güngör. Rector Güngör stated that his field of study is hydraulics and that he feels a special excitement for the workshop. He expressed his gratitude to everyone attending and contributing to the workshop; he touched upon the importance of climate change, water management, the decrease in water quality over the years, water savings through pressure management, how water losses and leaks occur, and the necessary measures to be taken. Rector Prof. Dr. Mahmud Güngör concluded his speech by thanking Denizli Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Bülent Nuri Çavuşoğlu, who has implemented dry landscaping in Denizli province.

In his speech, DESKİ General Director Egemen Emre Beşli highlighted the decrease in groundwater resources specifically in Denizli, emphasizing that sustainable water management is a necessity rather than a preference, that water resources are not unlimited, and that they are gradually decreasing. Beşli also mentioned the main issues such as the unconscious use of groundwater and the recovery of wastewater, and concluded his speech by thanking everyone working in this field.

Deputy General Director of General Directorate of Water Management Satuk Buğra Fındık emphasized in his speech that water should no longer be seen solely as a natural resource but as a strategic element at the center of economic development, public health, and national security. Referring to the droughts experienced in Denizli province within the Büyük Menderes basin in previous periods, Fındık underlined that a small drought is expected within the next three months. He reminded that we must adapt to climate change, consider water as a cyclical resource, and use it efficiently, and announced that the “National Water Plan” covering 2026–2035 has been published by the decision of the President. Fındık stated that within the scope of this workshop, a broad perspective will be taken on drinking water safety, wastewater management, water reuse, and climate-resilient infrastructures, and concluded his speech with thanks.

DSİ General Director Göktuğ İlter, in his speech, mentioned the negative effects of climate change and stated that the increase in urbanization causes the decrease of water resources, and that savings can be achieved through basin-based planning.

President of the Türkiye Academy of Science, Research and Education Foundation Prof. Dr. Cumali Kınacı stated that he has been involved with water since 1980 and recalled his teacher’s words, “if you deal with water, you stay young, children,” offering advice to young people. He addressed basic problems related to the decrease in water, such as increasing water demand, inefficient use of existing water, water losses and leaks, excessive pollution of current water resources, spatial and seasonal changes in water distribution on Earth due to accelerated climate change, and excessive groundwater consumption, and discussed possible solutions.

Denizli Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Bülent Nuri Çavuşoğlu emphasized in his opening speech that the greatest legacy that can be left for the future is wealth in water. Referring to wars in Iran and the recent targeting of water treatment facilities in Gulf countries over the past three days, Mayor Çavuşoğlu stated that global balances have been disrupted, and he emphasized that since taking office, efforts have been made for the correct and conscious use of water. He added that in the transformation of green areas, they have shifted to xeriscaping, and this year, one million square meters are planned to be converted to xeriscape.

Denizli Governor Yavuz Selim Köşger, in his speech regarding how water should be used, emphasized that the Büyük Menderes Basin should be used in a clean manner. Governor Köşger stressed the importance of wastewater treatment plants and concluded his speech by thanking everyone involved in organizing the meeting.

 The detailed program of the workshop, which will be completed over two days in six sessions, can be accessed at https://www.pau.edu.tr/denizlisucalistayi/tr