Can I install solar energy panels (floating SPP) on my drinking water dam?

No, with the new regulation, the installation of any power plants, including renewable energy power plants, on the water surface is not permitted.

Can I purchase my Treasury or 2/B land remaining within the protected area?

If your land falls within the absolute protection area (for 2/B) or within the short-range protection area (for Treasury agricultural land), its sale can no longer be made even if you are a right holder.

What will happen to existing fuel stations?

Existing stations in the basins will be closed until they are brought into compliance with TSE standards, and even if they become compliant, they will only be able to sell fuel/gas and will not be able to engage in polluting activities such as car washing or oil changing.

REGULATIONS4 August 2026

Major Restrictions on Water Basins

Official titleRegulation on the Amendment to the Regulation on the Protection of Drinking and Domestic Water Basins

The regulation on the protection of drinking and domestic water basins has been updated, reorganizing the preparation of basin protection plans, the limitation of activities on water surfaces, and property/construction bans in protected areas.

Details of the Regulation

With this regulation amendment introduced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the principles regarding the protection of drinking and domestic water basins have been made more systematic and stringent. The definition of drinking and domestic water has been limited to surface waters, while the protection of groundwater has been transferred to its dedicated legislation. Property security and public transparency have been enhanced by introducing the obligation to register the boundaries of basin protection areas onto cadastre sheets and state them in the declarations column of the land registry.

With the regulation, it has been clarified that no power plants, including renewable energy, will be permitted on the water surface. Furthermore, aquaculture (fish farms) in dam reservoirs within drinking water basins has been prohibited; however, limited exceptions at a rate of one in a thousand have been granted for very large dams exceeding 75 thousand hectares. While the use of fuel-powered boats has been strictly prohibited, demountable piers and Ministry permission have been made a prerequisite for mandatory situations such as transportation and security.

Severe restrictions have been imposed on property and commercial activities in protected zones. The sale of 2/B lands remaining within the absolute protection area and Treasury lands within the short-range protection area to right holders has been prohibited. In addition, the opening of new fuel, gas, and electric vehicle charging stations in these basins has been banned, and existing ones are envisaged to be closed until they comply with TSE standards. In long-range protection areas, the establishment of thermal power plants, biogas, and biomass facilities has been prevented.

REGAS Commentary

This regulation directly affects citizens who have land or commercial activities, especially in water basins. The fact that an annotation will be entered into the title deeds of lands in protected areas may affect the value of these lands while increasing transparency in immovable property transactions. For right holders expecting to purchase 2/B or Treasury land, a sales ban has commenced in certain areas. Furthermore, the TSE requirement imposed on fuel stations in basins is a critical step in preventing environmental pollution.

Questions You Might Have

Can I install solar energy panels (floating SPP) on my drinking water dam?: No, with the new regulation, the installation of any power plants, including renewable energy power plants, on the water surface is not permitted.
Can I purchase my Treasury or 2/B land remaining within the protected area?: If your land falls within the absolute protection area (for 2/B) or within the short-range protection area (for Treasury agricultural land), its sale can no longer be made even if you are a right holder.
What will happen to existing fuel stations?: Existing stations in the basins will be closed until they are brought into compliance with TSE standards, and even if they become compliant, they will only be able to sell fuel/gas and will not be able to engage in polluting activities such as car washing or oil changing.

Key Terms

İçme-Kullanma Suyu: Surface waters used or envisaged to be used by making them suitable for water intended for human consumption.
Mutlak Koruma Alanı: The closest surrounding strip where the water source is most sensitive to pollution and where the strictest precautionary protection measures are applied.
Beyanlar Hanesi: The informative section in the land registry that indicates the legal status, restrictions, or rights over the immovable property.

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