Greece ranks 19th in the world for drought risk, Critical water levels despite recent rains in the Aposelemi dam and leaks gushing happily.
Greece ranks 19th in the world in terms of the risk of water scarcity
Rising water use and network losses
Water withdrawals for drinking in Greece more than doubled between 2001 and 2022—up by about 139%. This jump is mostly blamed on more tourists, higher water use per person, and big losses in the distribution system.
Nearly half the water is lost through leaks and system inefficiencies, especially in touristy places like the Cyclades. In summer, demand shoots up while the available water supply just can’t keep pace.
Large water use for irrigation
Greece uses more water per hectare for irrigation than any other EU country. That even beats out other Mediterranean places with similar weather.
Even though there are fewer farms now, water withdrawals for agriculture remain stubbornly high. Hotter temps, thirstier crops, and old irrigation systems (many over 20 years old) are making things worse.
Worrying reduction of surface water sources
Surface water supplies have taken a nosedive in recent decades. Meanwhile, groundwater pumping shot up by 80% between 2000 and 2022—now over 6 billion cubic metres a year.
Surface water use dropped 40% in that time. This puts a ton of pressure on underground aquifers and ramps up the risk of saltwater sneaking in, especially where there are lots of boreholes.
Dangerously low reservoir water levels
Hydroelectric reservoirs are running low, which just makes water availability even trickier. Less rain and overuse are both to blame for these dwindling reserves.
It’s not just about water supply—these low levels hit electricity generation too. Reservoirs are supposed to help balance needs during dry spells, but that’s getting harder.
Critical water levels despite the recent rainfall in the Aposelemi dam
The Apselemi Dam, which supplies water to Heraklion, Hersonissos, and Agios Nikolaos, is still in a fragile state. Recent rainfall only managed to add just over 1 million cubic metres, so reserves now sit at about 4.5 million cubic metres.
That’s way below the dam’s full 25.3 million cubic metre capacity. Of the current water, about 1.5 million cubic metres are permanent reserves that can’t be tapped.
This leaves the usable water supply pretty tight for the region’s needs. The dam’s had record-low levels for three winters in a row.
Even though the rain helped a bit, shortages remain a serious risk. Local water authorities (DEYAs) are scrambling to come up with new management strategies.
Airbnb rentals are making things more complicated. All those extra visitors mean more water use, especially during peak tourist season.
The growth in short-term rentals is a real headache for DEYAH, making it tough to plan and allocate resources. The plan is to pump about 500 cubic metres daily in May and June to cover local needs.
Once July hits and tourist numbers spike, DEYAH and the Crete Development Organisation will have to reassess and adjust. It’s a bit of a moving target.
Key Data |
Values |
|---|---|
Dam capacity |
25.3 million m³ |
Current total volume |
4.5 million m³ |
Non-withdrawable reserve |
1.5 million m³ |
Water added last week |
Just over 1 million m³ |
Daily planned pumping (May) |
500 m³ |
Water supply for eastern Crete is hanging by a thread. Limited inflow and the flood of visitors—thanks in part to Airbnb—are putting real strain on DEYAH’s operations and water plans.
Water Meter Leakage Persists for a Month Without Action
For about a month now, a water meter outside a private home has been leaking non-stop. Despite several reports to the local water authority, there’s still no permanent fix.
The leak’s flooded the garage and even caused the ground and road to sink in spots. The resident has called the water company more than ten times since April 24.
Repair teams have shown up twice, but their fixes only lasted a couple of days before the leak started again. It’s honestly a bit frustrating—doesn’t seem like the municipal services are handling it well.
Apparently, staff at the water authority told the resident to just hire a private plumber. That’s raised some eyebrows about who’s actually responsible for public infrastructure and ongoing water loss.
The amount of water wasted is pretty big, especially since it hasn’t rained much. It really shows why municipal intervention matters when it comes to water management.
People are wondering what the official process is for issues like this and how authorities decide which problems to fix first. This case is a good example of the challenges with holding local utilities accountable for basic maintenance.
Key Points |
Details |
|---|---|
Problem Location |
Water meter outside a residence on Erasmos Street, South Suburbs of Heraklion |
Duration of Leakage |
Approximately one month since late April |
Actions Taken |
Multiple calls to water authority; two temporary repairs by municipal teams |
Current Effects |
Water flooding garage; road surface sinking |
Official Response |
No permanent repair; advice to hire private plumber provided |
Water Loss Impact |
Continuous wastage during drought conditions |
Citizen Concerns |
Lack of effective municipal intervention; responsibility for infrastructure |
This ongoing leak really points to the need for stronger municipal oversight and a real commitment to saving water. It also leaves you wondering how local authorities actually handle citizen complaints about vital services like this.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes a country to face high water scarcity risks?
Lots of things can push a country into water scarcity. Climate change is a big one—it cuts rainfall and brings more droughts.
Population growth and urbanisation mean more demand. Outdated water management and poor infrastructure also make a mess of things. And, of course, some places are just naturally drier or have fewer freshwater sources.
How does Greece’s position in global water risk rankings affect its policies?
Being 19th in the world for water scarcity risk is a wake-up call for Greece. It’s a push for policymakers to focus on better water management and conservation.
This ranking also nudges the government to invest in infrastructure and promote sustainable water use to help deal with climate change and a growing population.
What actions can countries take to reduce water shortage risks?
There are a bunch of options. Countries can improve water storage and distribution systems and promote water-saving tech in farming and industry.
Public awareness campaigns about conservation help too. Tighter rules on water use and pollution can also protect water resources.
What financial effects arise when a country faces serious water shortages?
Water scarcity can hit agriculture, industry, and energy production, dragging down the economy. It often makes water supply and treatment more expensive.
Businesses might see higher costs or even disruptions. If water problems drag on, they can scare off foreign investment and slow national growth.
How do countries work together to tackle water shortages globally?
International cooperation usually means agreements and organisations focused on water management. Countries share data, tech, and best practices to use water more efficiently.
Managing shared rivers and lakes takes teamwork. Global forums also help coordinate policies and funding for water projects.
Can technology help solve problems related to water scarcity?
Yes, technology’s got a lot to offer when it comes to tackling water scarcity. There are efficient irrigation systems out there now, plus water recycling is becoming more common.
Desalination plants can actually turn seawater into something you can drink, which is pretty wild if you think about it. Smart sensors are also being used to keep an eye on water quality and how much we’re using—all in real time.
Then there are digital tools that help people make better decisions about managing water, hopefully cutting down on waste in the process.
