This paper presents research results on the market potential for Autonomous Desalination Systems (ADS) in Turkey. Seven representative municipalities in South-West Turkey have been selected and water, energy, environmental and socio-economic data have been collected. Additionally, the constitutional actors responsible for the water supply on a national and a local level have been identified and their role has been analysed. The results revealed water and energy shortages, especially during the summer months. Water quality is deteriorating because of pollution. These problems will become severe in the near future as demand is increasing triggering competition over the available resources. A win-win situation for the end users and the governmental authorities was identified in the use of ADS. Still, it was concluded that the market needs support from the governmental authorities with actions ranging from information supply to legislative reforms., The study was carried out within ADIRA. In this EU funded project the other research target countries were Morocco, Jordan, Egypt and Cyprus where similar conclusions were reached. Thus, the regional size of the market is quite large and the critical mass for attracting private funds and the interest of governments, development organisations and the private sector can be formed.