ISO 46001 Water Efficiency Management System is an international standard that enables institutions and businesses to manage water use in a more efficient and sustainable way. The effective use of water resources is of great importance in combating climate change and fulfilling environmental responsibility.

Organizations with 50 or more employees, operating in many industrial sectors listed under the NACE codes in the regulation annex, are required to establish a Water Efficiency System within 18 months (until 27 June 2026, based on the publication date of the regulation).

Similarly, the “Water Efficiency Regulation” introduces obligations for the following entities to establish a Water Efficiency System within specified timeframes:

​

• Local governments (provincial and district municipalities)

• Irrigation facilities (covering areas of 500 hectares or more, including those operated by State Hydraulic Works, irrigation unions, cooperatives, municipal operations, TİGEM enterprises, special provincial administrations, and other legal irrigation entities)

• Buildings and campuses (excluding public institutions, educational institutions, dormitories, and healthcare facilities)

• Airports

• Shopping malls

• Business centers and commercial plazas (with parcel areas larger than 1,000 m²)

• Educational institutions and dormitories (with 400 or more students)

• Healthcare institutions (with 100 or more bed capacity)

• Accommodation and tourism enterprises (with 100 or more rooms)

• Train and bus terminals located in provinces

​​

This Management System:​

Adopting and properly implementing a Water Efficiency Management System not only improves water efficiency but also:

• Defines water as a resource that can be integrated into organizational and budget planning

• Helps organizations better manage water use and optimize water demand

• Provides transparency in water consumption, enabling detailed analysis and the development of more effective water-use strategies

• Reduces water consumption through sustainable design, water-saving devices, and appropriate monitoring, leading to lower operational costs and savings

• Enhances accountability in water use through technologies that monitor leaks

• Raises awareness of the impact of changing water usage on others

• Promotes a higher level of responsibility in water use

• Establishes a regular review process to identify improvement opportunities and adopt water efficiency enhancements

• Enables benchmarking, measurement, and reporting of water efficiency improvements

​​

Organizations can use the TS ISO 46001 Water Efficiency Management System standard to develop and implement a water efficiency policy by establishing objectives, targets, action plans, monitoring, benchmarking, and review programs. This standard is applicable to organizations of all types and sizes that use water and focus on end-user consumption.

It also provides a competitive advantage by promoting best practices in water management.

Certification Levels

Additionally, within the Water Efficiency Regulation, a three-tier certification system—Blue, Green, and Turquoise—will be implemented by the Ministry:

• Blue and Green certificates: Mandatory within specified timelines

• Turquoise certificate: Currently voluntary