Worrying situation at the Aposelemis dam despite some rainfall in recent days. Water emergency in Agios Nikolaos, Lassithi Plateau, Ierapetra and Sitia as well as water conservation for hotels.
The situation at Aposelemis Dam has raised concerns among local officials due to significantly declining water levels.
The President of the Organization for the Development of Crete, Thodoros Ninos, highlighted these issues in a recent interview.
Despite some rainfall contributing to the reservoir, the overall amount remains alarmingly low, with recent rainfall only adding a small fraction to the reservoir’s needs.
According to Ninos, the dam received approximately 20,000 cubic metres of water in the last two days, primarily from the tunnel connected to the Plateau. This has been a welcome but modest addition.
Video of the first water flowing of this winter into the Aposelemis dam on Thursday, February 13:
He described the current state as “scraping the bottom of the barrel”.
A year ago, at the beginning of the tourism season in April 2024, the dam held over 7 million cubic metres of water. Presently, the volume has dropped to just over 2 million cubic metres.
The safety threshold for maintaining reservoir water levels is 1.5 million cubic metres.
If conditions do not improve, it is feared that the water treatment facility may need to be shut down by the end of March to conserve water for summer use.
Ninos indicated that the required increase in water levels over the coming months is between 2 to 2.5 million cubic metres. Without this additional volume, the treatment plant will halt operations, expediting the urgency of the situation.
If the levels were to reach 3.5 to 4 million cubic metres, municipal water supply could resume by late April.
While Ninos suggested that such an increase was not impossible in the near future, he also acknowledged that it was not highly likely.
Local authorities and residents are closely monitoring the developments, as summer demand for water will be critical. The future water supply for various municipalities in the region (Heraklion to Aghios Nikolaos) relies heavily on the reservoir levels at Aposelemis Dam.
Initiatives to combat water scarcity in Aghios Nikolaos

In light of the severe water scarcity affecting eastern Crete, particularly the Lasithi region, a collaborative effort has emerged involving the Agios Nikolaos Water Supply and Sewerage Company and the Lasithi Hotel Association.
This initiative aims to raise awareness among industry professionals about essential water conservation measures.
The Impact of Water Scarcity on Tourism
The area is currently experiencing one of the most critical droughts seen in recent years, which poses significant challenges in securing adequate water supplies for both residents and tourists.
The tourism sector, crucial to the local economy, must respond with responsibility and flexibility to these challenges, ensuring that all water needs in the region are met effectively.
Necessary Water Conservation Measures
To address the pressing issue of water scarcity, the Agios Nikolaos Water Supply and the Lasithi Hotel Association have outlined key strategies for responsible water management and conservation:
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Daily Monitoring of Water Usage: Systematic tracking of water consumption is vital.
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This practice helps identify potential leaks and assess the effectiveness of implemented conservation measures.
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Setting Reduction Targets: Establishing specific goals for water reduction, such as a 10% decrease, allows for better management and oversight of water use.
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Training for Staff on Efficient Water Use: It is essential to educate staff on how to utilise water efficiently.
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Provide detailed instructions tailored to specific roles, such as housekeeping, kitchen operations, and gardening.
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Staff should also be kept informed about whether the conservation targets have been met.
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Utilising Low-Water Plants: Employing drought-resistant plants can significantly lessen water use.
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It is also important to adopt irrigation methods that address the actual needs of plants.
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This includes taking into account environmental factors such as humidity, cloud cover, and temperatures, which can vary daily.
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Customer Awareness Initiatives: Informing guests about the importance of water conservation can help reduce overall demand.
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This could include notices in rooms, verbal reminders from staff, and visible reminders in shared spaces.
State of water emergency in Aghios Nikolaos, Lassithi Plateau, Ierapetra and Sitia

The local economy in the region heavily relies on two main sectors: tourism and agriculture.
Unfortunately, prolonged drought and increasing water scarcity threaten both.
These issues have worsened over the years due to insufficient rainfall, leading local authorities to take necessary measures to address this urgent reality.
These approaches have a dual nature.
On one hand, there is a need for mid to long-term planning aimed at tackling water scarcity to prevent severe economic damage and negative impacts on residents’ quality of life.
On the other hand, immediate efforts focus on raising awareness at all levels about the critical situation.
Individuals and businesses are encouraged to reduce water consumption, treating it as a scarce resource that requires careful management.
Failure to do so could result in severe consequences for the community.
In response to this dire situation, the Municipality of Ierapetra has declared a state of emergency.
This declaration is designed to facilitate faster actions to combat water shortages, initially set for one month but likely to be extended. This highlights the seriousness of the water crisis.
Further discussions about extending the state of emergency are ongoing in other municipalities within the region, especially in Agios Nikolaos and Oropedio Lasithiou.
The municipality of Sitia has already been under a prolonged state of emergency since October 2022 due to devastating flooding, with the current declaration set to expire on 16 April, although it may be renewed.
The entire Lasithi region is currently struggling with drought, which has severely affected the agricultural sector.
Greenhouse crops are facing significant threats due to these challenges.
Collaboration for Common Actions
In light of these challenges, the Agios Nikolaos Water and Wastewater Utility is taking proactive steps by engaging in discussions with local businesses and professional organisations.
This initiative aims to collaborate on actions aimed at reducing water consumption and implementing effective measures to address the ongoing crisis.
Saving water in hotels too
Furthermore, saving water is not only a matter of environmental awareness and saving the resource itself, but also in the financial interest of hoteliers, as they are aware that from this year onwards, any business owner who does not adhere to the water saving policy will have to pay dearly for it!
This means that last year’s decision by the Board of Directors to increase water tariffs, which in principle comes into force from the fall (end of the tourist season), will be reflected in hotel bills from this year – and the average tariff increase for hotels is around 40-45%.
Frequently asked questions

What are the environmental effects linked to the construction of the Apselemi dam?
The construction of the Apselemi dam involves several environmental effects.
Key concerns include habitat disruption for local flora and fauna, changes in land use, and potential alterations to water quality.
The dam’s creation can lead to the flooding of natural landscapes, impacting biodiversity.
How has local wildlife been impacted by the Apselemi water reservoir?
The establishment of the Apselemi water reservoir has significantly influenced the local wildlife.
Species that thrive in the previous ecosystems may face challenges due to habitat loss and altered food sources.
Aquatic species can experience changes in their breeding patterns and migration due to the new water environment.
What economic effects arise from developing infrastructure around the Apselemi dam?
Economic implications of infrastructure development around the Apselemi dam include job creation during construction and subsequent operations.
Improved access to water resources can support agriculture and attract tourism, while there could also be shifts in local economies driven by new facilities and services.
What strategies are implemented to reduce the ecological impact of the Apselemi dam project?
Various strategies are in place to mitigate the ecological impact of the Apselemi dam.
These may include creating wildlife corridors, implementing environmental monitoring systems, and conducting regular assessments to adaptively manage the ecosystem surrounding the dam.
How does the Apselemi dam aid in regional water management?
The Apselemi dam plays a crucial role in regional water management by regulating water supply.
It helps ensure consistent water availability for agricultural and domestic use, particularly during dry periods.
The dam also contributes to flood control.
What are the projections for the long-term sustainability of the Apselemi dam?
Long-term sustainability projections for the Apselemi dam indicate a focus on maintaining ecological balance and ensuring that water supply meets future demands.
Regular assessments and adaptive management practices are crucial in addressing potential challenges, such as climate change and changing water usage patterns.