Alarm bells ringing for Crete’s water supply: dams are drying up – a race against time until February and crucial decisions loom. Meanwhile, 70% of households in Heraklion are receiving unsuitable brackish water.
Crucial phase for water supply until February
Crete continues to experience a dry spell. The island’s water reserves are shrinking noticeably.
The soil remains dry in the deeper layers. This shows how much the island is still suffering from the long drought, even after a few rain showers.
The reservoirs in the east, such as the Apselemi Reservoir, look particularly empty.
The water in the Apselemi Reservoir will probably only last until February. New projects are planned to improve the supply, especially for tourist centres.
A small hydroelectric power plant is also expected to reduce electricity consumption soon. The situation remains tense and requires constant attention.
Forecasts, projects and a challenging summer season
The region is facing tough weeks ahead, as water levels in the reservoirs have fallen sharply. Around the Aposelemis reservoir, the available water volume is now only about 23% of capacity.
The supply could soon become critical if the rain continues to stay away. New construction projects are in the pipeline and are due to start soon.
One key project involves water pipes connecting several tourist resorts in Lasithi. It involves:
- 43-kilometre-long pipeline
- 11 water reservoirs
- Connection to the Aposelemis reservoir
The aim is to distribute water more efficiently, especially to Sissi, Milatos, Elounda, Neapoli and other popular destinations.
A small hydroelectric power plant is also currently being built at the Aposelemis reservoir waterworks. It is expected to be completed soon and will significantly reduce energy costs.
Construction of the new pipeline network is expected to take around 18 months. Representatives of the administration and mayors will meet in the next few days to clarify technical details.
Challenges in the summer season:
- Low water levels in reservoirs
- Tourism drives up consumption
- Dependence on the weather – rain and snow are unpredictable
Low water reserves are meeting growing demand. The only option is to react quickly and save water.
Condition of the remaining reservoirs
The other reservoirs are also running low on water. The Faneromeni reservoir has less than 3 million cubic metres.
Bramianoi has just 1.7 million. This shows how much pressure the central and eastern parts of the country are under.
In many regions of central and eastern Crete, the situation is becoming increasingly tense. The water basins there are sliding into higher risk categories.
This probably means that bottlenecks and water shortages are to be expected more often. A European research project is taking a closer look at the climate in Crete.
It focuses on floods, but also on long dry periods. Particularly striking are the drought years of 2015, 2018, 2021 and now – something that rarely happens in such quick succession.
Researchers expect even more extreme weather conditions in the future. This will further increase the risk of water shortages and flooding.
Reservoir |
Current water volume (in millions of m³) |
Comments |
|---|---|---|
Faneromeni |
< 3 |
Critically low |
Bramianoi |
1.7 |
Very limited |
Others (central & eastern) |
Sharp decline |
Tendency towards higher risk |
The authorities are keeping a close eye on the situation and preparing for emergencies. At the same time, they are working on long-term solutions for the future.
Economy is now the order of the day. New technologies are to help reduce water losses.
European partners are on board, because the problem can only be tackled jointly. The combination of climate change and high consumption makes everything rather complicated.
Initial indications – Fourth year with less rainfall
Crete has been experiencing insufficient rainfall for several years. The last three to four years have been particularly dry.
In addition, water evaporates more quickly, meaning that soils, groundwater and reservoirs are barely able to replenish themselves. Falling water levels are putting enormous pressure on supplies and agriculture.
This is particularly noticeable in olive cultivation. If irrigation is insufficient, losses of up to €1,000 per hectare can occur.
Climate researchers investigate the situation
Regional authorities and researchers are working on scientific projects to keep track of the situation. They evaluate climate data at the municipal level, enabling them to identify drought patterns more accurately.
This helps to better plan water management and adaptations.
Forecasts for the future
What can Crete expect in the coming decades? The various climate models provide some clues:
- More severe climate change: More frequent and longer periods of drought, especially around Heraklion and in the east. This will put even more pressure on agriculture and water supply.
- Milder scenarios: Drought will increase less severely, but will remain a threat – especially in the centre of the island.
Area |
Problem |
Expected consequences |
|---|---|---|
Agriculture |
Insufficient irrigation |
High economic losses |
Water supply |
Declining reservoir levels |
Increased risk of supply shortages |
Region around Heraklion |
Increasing drought |
Severe long-term impact |
Eastern Crete |
Partial severe droughts |
Need for adapted planning |
Impact on agriculture
The consequences are immediately apparent, especially in olive groves. If there is no rain and temperatures rise, yields decline.
For many farmers, this becomes a matter of survival. They have to adapt their irrigation and cultivation methods to minimise losses.
Water reserves and reservoirs
The reservoirs are currently not retaining enough water. Supplies have shrunk significantly.
The situation remains tense, especially now and in the coming months. Alternatives are being sought to secure supplies.
Water scarcity remains a serious challenge if no one takes targeted countermeasures.
Summary in bullet points
- Fourth consecutive period with less rainfall.
- Increased evaporation exacerbates water shortages.
- Regional research analyses drought patterns.
- Climate scenarios show increasing drought, especially around Heraklion and in eastern Crete.
- Agriculture, especially olive cultivation, is suffering from the drought.
- Reservoirs are holding less and less water.
- Alternative water sources and strategies are urgently needed.
Heraklion: Salinity in tap water increased in over 70% of households – Latest measurements reveal problems
In the greater Heraklion area, more than 70% of households now drink water with elevated salt content.
The latest studies show that the drinking water of many residents remains salty and that the problem is even spreading to other areas.
Neighbourhoods such as Nea Alikarnassos and Katsambas are particularly affected.
In Messabelies, there have been at least slight improvements in water quality.
The measurements comprise 115 samples collected in several phases at different locations.
Important areas with saline water:
District/area |
Water quality status |
|---|---|
Atsalenio |
High salinity confirmed |
Mastabas |
High salinity confirmed |
Therissos |
High salinity confirmed |
Koroni Magara |
High salt content confirmed |
Tria Pefka |
High salt content confirmed |
Metochi tou Papa Titou |
High salt content confirmed |
Pateles |
High salt content confirmed |
Agia Aikaterini |
High salt content confirmed |
Messabelies |
Slight improvement |
Ilioupoli |
High salt content confirmed |
Sinani Square |
High salt content confirmed |
Bendevi |
High salt content confirmed |
City centre and Demokratias Street |
High salt content confirmed |
The chloride concentrations in the samples exceed the limits applicable to drinking water according to EU directives.
This means that salty water is considered unsuitable for human consumption.
Details of the study phases:
- Phases 1 to 3: 80 samples were taken in different parts of the city.
- Phase 4: 35 additional samples in new and existing areas.
Since July 2025, researchers have observed a trend: saltwater contamination is not decreasing, but is now affecting even more districts.
It is high time that waterworks take measures to ensure that clean drinking water comes out of the tap again.
Summary of the most important problems
- Over 70% of households receive water with significantly increased salt content.
- The problem now also affects new neighbourhoods, even though attempts have been made to contain it.
- The water quality does not meet EU standards.
- There is a clear need for further water treatment measures.
The situation is serious. Local authorities must now take real action to ensure that drinking water is finally safe and palatable.
