Su Sorununa Karşı Belediyelerin Su Etiği İlkelerini Benimsemesi(Adoption of Water Ethics Principles by Municipalities Against Water Problems)

Water has been the most important value for civilizations throughout history. Civilizations built around water resources have developed and prospered. Civilizations that did not have water disappeared due to drought and starvation. Today, the water problem has not changed; on the contrary, it has deepened. Measures have been taken to protect water resources both in Turkey and around the world. These measures are technical, political and legal. The water problem has not been solved because the ethical perspective has been ignored. The study sought to answer why there is a need for water ethics. Water is not only a commodity but also a transcendent value. It is mentioned that the anthropocentric understanding of water needs to change because water is also a moral subject. The study also includes the international initiatives organized since the 1977 Mar del Plata UN Conference and their outcomes. Water management in Turkey is organized by the central government and local government. 93.4% of Turkey's population lives in metropolitan cities, provinces and districts. Therefore, the study focuses on municipalities. In addition, the Metropolitan Municipality Law No. 5216 and the Municipal Law No. 5393 also include regulations on water management. Principles of water ethics were defined to change water policy in municipalities. The principles of water ethics provide universal guidance, redefining the moral relationship between humans and water. As a result, the principles of water ethics are presented as a solution to the water problem in municipalities.