There are no water resources on Crete

There are no water resources on the island: Understanding the Impacts on Local Communities.

no water resources

There are no water resources on the island: Understanding the Impacts on Local Communities

Crete faces significant challenges due to the effects of climate change, particularly concerning its water resources. The island has been grappling with drought and water scarcity, especially in its eastern regions. The Greek Minister of Rural Development and Food, Kostas Tsiaras, acknowledged these issues during a recent conference focused on aquaculture in Heraklion.

The Minister stated that the lack of water resources on the island is a longstanding reality, exacerbated by the ongoing climate crisis. He highlighted that this situation is more severe in Crete than in other areas of Greece. In response to these pressing challenges, a strategic plan has been initiated, aiming to tackle these water-related issues comprehensively.

This plan includes the development of a study that will provide a roadmap for essential infrastructure projects. The strategy involves coordinated water management across the island, with assistance from a Dutch company currently engaged in the planning process. Tsiaras indicated that a significant portion of this planning is already underway.

As for support to local producers struggling with the effects of these water shortages, the Minister mentioned his intent to visit the island soon. Although a former visit was postponed due to government obligations, he is committed to engaging with local communities, stakeholders, and municipal authorities. The goal is to prioritise projects that require immediate attention and to integrate them into existing funding mechanisms, including resources from the Common Agricultural Policy and other financial opportunities available through the Greek state.

Funding and the Payment Authority

In light of the existing challenges, financial support mechanisms play a vital role. The Payment Authority (ΟΠΕΚΕΠΕ) is responsible for implementing the financial support measures for agricultural producers. This authority ensures that funds are distributed appropriately to aid those affected by adverse conditions and to facilitate necessary investments in water management infrastructure.

The importance of timely and accessible funding cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts the ability of agricultural producers to adapt and respond to the changing environmental conditions. By ensuring that these funding channels are effective, the local agricultural sector can find the necessary resources to invest in sustainable water usage practices and improve resilience against future challenges.

Water Meters Are Replaced to Detect Leaks and Losses

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The introduction of new technology in water metering systems is an important step toward efficient water management. Approximately 3,000 to 3,500 state-of-the-art water meters have been installed in the area of Aghios Nikolaos from a total of 16,800 digital meters with wireless transmission. These enhancements are specifically aimed at monitoring consumption at selected points within the internal network managed by the local water authority.

This project is significant, both in scope and cost. The total budget, including VAT, exceeds €6 million, and it was awarded with only a minimal discount. In addition to the meter installation, the contractor will oversee the operation and maintenance of the entire system. This service comes at an additional cost of €200,000 plus VAT for a decade.

The implementation of new water meters began in the summer 2024. Installation sites included areas like Vrachasi, Kalo Chorio, Ammoudara – Vathi, and small sections in Rousa Limni and Mardati. The slow pace of this replacement process is explained by the fact that it is carried out by a single team. The complexities involved in replacing old meters with new ones require careful handling. Each existing meter must be photographed to document its condition before removal. Once the old meter is taken out, the new one is put in place and connected to the telemetry system.

Currently, the team manages to replace about 50 to 60 meters within a 24-hour period. However, this task is challenging. A representative from the water authority must be present during the replacement process to assist the contractor. This is crucial when it comes to guiding the contractor through the locations of the scattered water meters.

Identifying these locations can be particularly difficult in areas where meters are not easily visible, and assistance from a knowledgeable meter reader is essential. The entire system in the municipality consists of around 22,000 meters, meaning not all old units will be replaced in this current initiative.

The availability of funds has permitted the replacement of specific meters, focusing on those most prone to leaks or issues. This proactive approach aims to significantly reduce water losses and improve the overall efficiency of the water system.

The goal of these replacements is not just to track water consumption but also to detect leaks and other potential problems early. Smart water metering technology allows for real-time data transmission to the main office, enabling utility companies to respond quickly to any detected issues. These advancements play a vital role in conservation efforts and can lead to substantial cost savings for both the utility and its customers.

Information gathered from smart meters can also simply streamline operations. For example, Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) technology allows for remote data collection. This reduces the chances of human error compared to manual readings, making the process more efficient.

Utility companies benefit from the increasing accuracy and reliability of smart meters. They can monitor water flow and usage patterns effectively. By identifying unusual spikes in water usage, companies can investigate potential leaks immediately, preventing further losses.

Moreover, the investment in new water metering technology reflects a commitment to sustainability. As water scarcity concerns grow, such systems are essential. The ability to detect and address leaks promptly helps conserve precious water resources.

In addition, improved metering technology supports better billing practices. Customers receive more accurate bills based on their actual usage rather than estimated figures. This transparency encourages responsible water use among consumers, which ultimately supports sustainable practices.

As cities and communities continue to adopt advanced metering systems, they set a precedent for other regions. The focus on upgrading current infrastructure not only helps in leak detection but also fosters a culture of water conservation. Improved water management systems are crucial as different areas face unique challenges related to water supply and demand.


Frequently Asked Questions

What water supply issues do small Greek islands face?

Small Greek islands often struggle with limited water resources due to their geographic size and climate. The main challenges include inadequate rainfall, a high tourist demand for water, and insufficient infrastructure for water storage and distribution. These islands frequently rely on desalination and importing water to meet their needs.

Which island holds the title of the smallest in Greece?

The smallest island in Greece is considered to be Brach Island. It measures only a few square kilometres and is part of the larger group of islands in the Ionia Sea.

Which Greek island has a name consisting of 38 letters?

The island known for its remarkably long name is Lemonokomi-Korfu-Thermopylae-Halkidiki, which is primarily a tongue-twister used for fun, rather than an actual, officially recognised place.

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