Greece declares a water emergency in Athens and the Aegean islands to combat drought
In a move reflecting the escalating environmental challenges in the Mediterranean region, Greek authorities have declared a “water emergency” encompassing the capital, Athens, and two tourist islands in the Aegean Sea. This exceptional measure aims to accelerate the implementation of water infrastructure projects in a proactive effort to address the growing threat of water scarcity resulting from years of chronic drought and severe climate change.
Details of the emergency declaration and the areas covered
The Greek Ministry of Environment clarified in an official statement issued late Friday that the state of emergency extends beyond the greater Athens area, the country's most densely populated region, to include the islands of Patmos and Leros in the Dodecanese archipelago in the southeastern Aegean Sea. A ministry official confirmed to the official news agency that the primary objective of this decision is to "give the highest priority to the implementation of vital infrastructure projects," thereby bypassing the usual bureaucratic hurdles. The official also noted that no direct restrictions on water consumption for residents have been imposed at this time.
Alarming figures and drastic climate changes
Government concerns are based on alarming data released by the Athens Water and Sewerage Supply Company (EYDAP), showing that Greece's annual rainfall has decreased by a significant 25%. Conversely, water evaporation has increased by 15% due to rising temperatures, while water consumption has risen by approximately 6% since 2022, creating a widening gap between supply and demand.
This announcement comes in a broader regional context, where climate scientists have been warning for years that the Mediterranean region is a “hotspot” for climate change, with temperatures rising at rates faster than the global average, leading to longer and more severe droughts that directly affect water resources and agriculture.
Current reserves and the risk of summer tourism
Reflecting the gravity of the situation, Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou stated that current water reserves in the greater Athens area are estimated at approximately 400 million cubic meters, while annual consumption reaches around 250 million cubic meters. He added, warning, “Difficult decisions can no longer be postponed… especially in areas where water consumption is increasing dramatically due to heavy tourism.”.
Tourism, a key pillar of the Greek economy, poses an additional challenge to water resources, especially on small islands like Patmos and Leros, where water demand skyrockets during the summer months to meet the needs of hotels and visitors, requiring careful planning to avoid crises that could damage the reputation of the tourism sector.
Billion-dollar projects and the evocation of past crises
Ministry sources indicate that Greece is experiencing a drought comparable in severity to the infamous crisis that struck the country between 1988 and 1994. To counter this, the government announced last month a massive investment plan worth 2.5 billion euros to develop water infrastructure over the next decade.
The plan includes major strategic projects, most notably the €500 million project to divert the course of two tributaries of the Achelous River in western Greece, expected to be completed by 2029, as well as expanding well drilling and constructing desalination plants. The Ministry of the Environment confirms that more than 150 water projects, valued at over €320 million, are currently underway across more than 40 islands to ensure the country's water security.
