Developed to secure water for Istanbul's rapidly growing population, Melen is one of the city's most strategic long term water management investments.
Water and Environmental Projects
Melen Drinking Water Project
Melen Drinking Water Project
A comprehensive water investment meeting Istanbul's long term drinking water needs
Melen Drinking Water Project
2011 to 2015: Phase 2; 2015 to 2019: Phase 3
Highlights
Location
Düzce, Melen River, 170 km east of Istanbul
Client/Employer
İstanbul Su ve Kanalizasyon İdaresi (İSKİ)
Project Scale
Three phases, totaling 3,240,000 m³/day capacity
Infrastructure Components
Phase 2 works:
- Laying 102 km of steel pipes in diameters of 3,000, 2,500, 2,200, 2,000, 1,800 and 1,600 mm,
- Jacking 188 m of 3,400 mm diameter steel pipe,
- 362 engineering structures: washout, air valve and valve chambers,
- 247 km of power lines, transformer buildings and valve structures,
- Steel pipe cathodic protection and pumping stations,
- Installation of various diameter valves and equipment between 2,500 and 2,200 mm pipes,
- Installation of a 1,600 mm end valve and 100 mm small diameter valve systems; 278 km of 3 m diameter steel pipeline,
Infrastructure Components
Phase 3 works:
- Laying 137 km of 3,000, 2,500, 4,000 and 1,600 mm pipes,
- 389 m of stream, river and highway crossings with 3,400 mm steel pipe,
- Şile Control Center and various engineering structures, including culverts and tunnels,
- Melen Pumping Station, rising main, 30,000 m³ pumping reservoir, 40,000 m³ suction manifold, 25,000 m³ discharge manifold, and
- Power transmission line, electrical and mechanical works and site landscaping.
Function
Meeting Istanbul's drinking water needs until 2071
Key Feature
Türkiye's largest drinking water supply project
Project Duration
2011–2015 Phase 22015–2019 Phase 3
Architectural and Engineering Details
Technologies and Construction Innovations Used
Project Stages and Solutions
01
Special bridge crossings and tunnels overcame topographical barriers.
02
Special corrosion resistant coatings were applied to steel pipes.
03
Phased commissioning maintained uninterrupted water supply to Istanbul.
Sustainability
Construction Period
Environmental impact assessments along the route optimized crossings to avoid ecosystem damage.
Excavation and waste materials were controlled and used for filling and rehabilitation.
Local procurement and labor were prioritized, supporting the regional economy.
Durable, sustainable materials were preferred during construction of energy efficient pumping stations.
Long Term Impact
It secured Istanbul's water supply until 2071.
Capacity of 3.24 million m³ daily created Türkiye's largest drinking water transfer system.
It protected natural balance by preventing groundwater overuse.
Designed to meet Istanbul's drinking water needs until 2071, the project was planned in three phases.
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