The Greek government announced an ambitious 2.5 billion euros investment plan to improve water management and combat drought, amid mounting concern over dwindling reserves. The initiative was unveiled on Thursday, Oct. 30, by Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou, during an event marking the 100th anniversary of the Athens Water Supply and Sewerage Company (EYDAP).
According to government sources, the plan will focus primarily on ensuring water security for Greece’s two largest urban centers—Attica and Thessaloniki—while also funding smaller-scale desalination projects in other regions.
To support the investments, water bills are expected to rise by 2 to 3 euros per household. Officials stress, however, that even after the adjustment, Greece’s water tariffs will remain among the lowest in the European Union.
Falling Water Levels Raise Alarm
The urgency of the measures is underscored by the alarming drop in water reserves across Attica. As of yesterday, the region’s four main reservoirs—Evinos, Marathon, Mornos, and Yliki—held a combined total of 377 million cubic meters of water, compared to 597 million last year and more than 900 million in 2023. The Mornos reservoir alone has seen its capacity halved in just two years.
Although the situation is not yet as dire as the 1993 crisis, officials warn that without significant rainfall, Attica could face serious shortages within two years.
Desalination, Leak Reduction, and New Infrastructure
The government’s medium-term plan includes new desalination facilities, water transfers from the Acheloos River by sea, and 250 million euros in upgrades to reduce leakage—currently estimated at 15% of total supply. The Evinos reservoir will also be reinforced through connections with the Krikelopotamos and Karpenisiotis rivers, and eventually with Lake Kremaston.
Beyond the capital, the strategy extends to drought-prone regions such as Crete, the Peloponnese, Thessaly, and the islands of the South Aegean and Ionian Seas.
Source: tovima.com
