Athens, Greece – The Greek capital is confronting a deepening water crisis, with its two primary reservoirs, Mornos and Yliki, experiencing a dramatic 40% reduction in reserves over recent years. This critical decline has pushed the Attica region into its most severe water shortage in a decade, according to official reports.
Reservoir Levels Alarmingly Low
The surface area of the Mornos reservoir has diminished by nearly half, while the Yliki reservoir has seen a significant drop in water levels over the past 12 months. Experts are drawing parallels between the current drought and the prolonged dry period observed between 1988 and 1994, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Government Plans Emergency Measures
In response to the escalating crisis, the government is poised to implement an emergency regime for water consumption. This measure aims to expedite the progress of major supply and infrastructure projects designed to bolster Athens’ water security.
Evrytos Project: A Key Solution
A central component of the government’s strategy is the ambitious Evrytos project. This initiative seeks to divert surplus water from the artificial Lake Kremasta, situated between Aetolia-Acarnania and Evrytania, into Attica’s existing water supply network. The project is seen as crucial for augmenting the city’s water resources.
EYDAP Invests in Infrastructure Upgrades
The water utility company, EYDAP, is actively advancing a substantial 2.5 billion euro investment in infrastructure upgrades. These enhancements include the implementation of smart-network monitoring systems and sophisticated water-reuse technologies, aiming to improve efficiency and sustainability in water management.
Impact of Persistent Drought
The severe water deficit is attributed to a combination of persistent drought conditions, a reduction in rainy days, and decreased mountain snowmelt. These factors have significantly curtailed natural inflows into the reservoirs. While recent heavy storms have occurred, much of the water has unfortunately flowed directly to the sea, failing to adequately replenish the depleted reserves.
Public Cooperation Deemed Essential
Authorities are underscoring the vital role of public cooperation in mitigating the crisis. They emphasize that collective efforts to avoid excessive water consumption will be essential to navigate this challenging period successfully.
Source: ekathimerini.com
