Is there no water coming out of the tap in Crete this year?

Is there no water coming out of the tap in Crete this year? The Serious Nature of Water Adequacy Issues!

Will the tap soon run dry?
Will the tap soon run dry?

The Serious Nature of Water Adequacy Issues

The current water scarcity situation indicates a return to the past reliance on water tanks, a practice that emerged when planning for and maintaining water supply infrastructure was insufficient. This decline in water availability results from a significant shortfall in precipitation and snowfall, which has left surface water reservoirs and underground aquifers unfilled. Despite the town of Aghios Nikolaos avoiding water supply interruptions until recently, the deteriorating balance of available water resources suggests that this could soon become a reality.

In the face of ongoing drought conditions, the management of water supplies is expected to remain challenging. Local authorities are preparing for potential hardships, as forecasts predict continued dry weather, which hinders improvements to water availability.

A recent meeting at the Aposelemi Water Treatment Facility in Heraklion discussed the facility’s operations and planning for the upcoming months. Present at this meeting were the President of the Municipal Water Utility of Agios Nikolaos, Konstantinos Afordakos, and the Head of Water Supply and Sewerage, Georgios Papadakis. They communicated that the Organisation for Development of Crete, which oversees the Aposelemi Dam, currently has only 400,000 cubic metres of water available to share among the three municipalities dependent on the dam.

It was determined that taking the minimum necessary amount from the dam until the end of February would be prudent. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for early March to reassess the situation based on updated data. This indicates a significant reduction for the Aghios Nikolaos municipality, which was previously set to receive one million and fifty thousand cubic metres of water in 2024. The daily allocation has now been cut from 100 cubic metres to just 50 cubic metres for the water supply in Neapoli. Over the entirety of 2024, Agios Nikolaos had already drawn 950,000 cubic metres from the dam to meet its water needs.

In recent years, the Water Authority of Crete (OAK) has worked alongside the European Union’s Copernicus earth observation programme. This partnership aims to enhance understanding of water resources through advanced geospatial methods. Such initiatives are essential for effective water management and planning, especially under the current circumstances where water scarcity poses a growing threat to local communities.

As the region navigates these challenges, ongoing cooperation and strategic management will be crucial in ensuring a reliable water supply. This includes monitoring reservoir levels, assessing groundwater resources, and implementing conservation measures to help sustain water availability throughout the dry periods. By adopting proactive water management strategies, authorities can take steps to mitigate the impact of low rainfall and prepare for future demands, ensuring that residents have access to the water they require for both daily life and sustaining local agriculture.

Crete is now being squeezed dry by 5,349 wells

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The island of Crete faces a severe challenge with water scarcity due to a combination of inadequate infrastructure and an overwhelming reliance on wells. Recent studies reveal that there are 5,349 wells operating across the island. This situation has turned Crete into a “sieve,” as indicated by research carried out by the Greek Authority of Geological and Mining Research.

Distribution of Wells

The analysis highlights a notable distribution of these wells across various municipalities. For instance, a significant 21.5% of the wells can be found in the municipality of Gortyna (Gortys). Following this, the municipality of Phaistos accounts for 14.4%, and the municipal area of Arhanes-Asterousia holds 8.2%. This means that the region of Messara alone houses 52% of Crete’s groundwater wells.

The breakdown of well locations is as follows:

  • Gortyna: 21.5%
  • Phaistos: 14.4%
  • Arhanes-Asterousia: 8.2%
  • Messara: 52% of wells
  • Malevizi: 6.3%
  • Minoa Pediada: 5.6%
  • Heraklion: 6.4%
  • Chersonisos: 6.3%
  • Agios Nikolaos: 5.7%
  • Sitía: 5.8%
  • Ierapetra: 3.9%
  • Chania: 1.7%
  • Rethymno: 4.3%

The western part of Crete, particularly around Chania and Rethymno, exhibits considerably fewer wells. This reduced number of wells aligns with the lack of agricultural activity that is dependent on vast water resources in these areas.

Ownership Insights

Of the wells in Crete, private ownership dominates, with 68.6% of these sources being privately owned. Public municipalities manage 16.4%, while water supply companies control about 9.4%. The local irrigation cooperatives take care of only 4.6% of all the wells. This highlights a significant challenge in managing the region’s water resources, as the bulk of extraction is done by private entities focused on irrigation.

Usage of Wells

A staggering 79.4% of these wells are primarily used for irrigation purposes, which underscores the high demand for water in agricultural practices. This usage places immense pressure on the remaining water reserves within the island’s aquifers, contributing to the ongoing water crisis.

Call for Urgent Action

Experts from the University of Crete’s Natural History Museum have warned that the current water management strategy needs immediate attention. They assert that the findings reveal a crucial demand for water, especially in the eastern parts of Crete, which can be affected the most by these groundwater withdrawals.

Given the high dependence on these underground resources, it is critical to develop comprehensive strategies to manage water use across the island. A sustainable approach must be adopted to avoid facing even harsher conditions in the future.

Finally, a unified response involving local governments, the public, and agricultural stakeholders is necessary to start addressing these serious challenges. As these resources become scarcer, working together to create effective solutions will be vital for the lush heritage and agricultural wellbeing of Crete.


Frequently Asked Questions

Drasi Park
Hardly any water in Drasi Park, which is fed by the Lasithi Plateau, even in early January.

What steps are being taken to tackle the water shortage in the area?

Efforts to combat water scarcity include implementing regulations on water use, increasing public awareness campaigns, and investing in water-saving technologies. Local authorities are also improving infrastructure to reduce leaks and enhance distribution efficiency.

How critical is the current water shortage situation in Crete?

The severity of the water deficiency has reached alarming levels. Many communities are facing limited access to clean water, which poses a risk not only to daily living but also to public health and sanitation.

What are the long-term effects of the water crisis on the local community?

The ongoing water crisis could lead to significant challenges for the local population, including health issues, economic instability, and displacement. As water becomes scarcer, quality of life may decline, impacting education and job opportunities.

Can you summarise the water conservation strategies currently being used in the region?

Current water conservation initiatives include rainwater harvesting, greywater recycling, and promoting drought-resistant crops. Communities are encouraged to adopt practices that minimise waste and maximise the efficient use of available water.

What actions is the government taking to secure a sustainable water supply for the region?

The government is actively pursuing policies to ensure a reliable water supply. This includes investing in new water sources, enhancing regulatory frameworks, and collaborating with international organisations for technical assistance.

How will the water crisis impact farming activities within the province?

The agricultural sector is likely to face severe repercussions due to the water crisis. Farmers may experience reduced crop yields, increased costs for irrigation, and potential loss of livelihoods as water availability decreases.

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