Water Level of Lake Bafa Rises After Drought
The water level of Lake Bafa, located at the border between Milas in Muğla and Söke in Aydın, southwestern Türkiye, has seen an increase following recent rainfall after dangerously decreasing during the summer months due to drought.
Lake Bafa's Importance and Features
Lake Bafa is renowned for its exceptional natural beauty, diverse biodiversity, and historical ruins in its vicinity, making it one of the wetlands of international significance.
Impact on Bird Species
The lake serves as breeding and wintering grounds for 261 bird species, some of which are endangered, and had experienced a drop of about 40 meters (131.23 feet) in water level due to the prolonged drought.
Recovery with Rainfall
With the recent rainfall, Lake Bafa has refilled to its previous levels, causing the disappearance of previously exposed areas and a rise in the overall water level.
Revival of Natural Life
The receding water areas have vanished, leading to the revival of natural life in the lake as algae and mud deposits clear out, providing a healthier habitat.
Benefit to Migratory Birds
The refilling of dry areas has brought new life to migratory birds in and around Bafa Lake, enhancing the ecosystem's biodiversity.
Expert Analysis on Lake Bafa
Associate Professor Ceyhun Özçelik, from Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, highlighted the lake's surface area of approximately 65 square kilometers and its depth reaching 21 meters, emphasizing the fluctuation of water levels based on inflow and outflow.
Concerns About Pollution
Özçelik raised concerns about pollution in Lake Bafa, primarily from waste carried by the Büyük Menderes River, but expressed optimism as the winter rains have initiated the lake's recovery process, gradually reversing the pollution-related issues.
Recent Rainfall Statistics
Recent reports indicate that between 8 and 15 centimeters of rainfall occurred in the region last week, contributing significantly to the replenishment of Lake Bafa.
