EYDAP is on alert in cooperation with the Greek State to deal with the problem of water scarcity. Speaking to APE-MBE, the chairman of the Board of Directors of EYDAP George Stergiou, reveals that among the long-term measures being considered is even the partial diversion of the waters from the rivers that end up in the lake of Kremasto on the border of Evrytania – Etoloakarnania. Mr. Stergiou notes that the prolonged drought of the last two years creates new data, but in no case should the complete water supply of the capital be called into question.

He also notes that EYDAP completed all preliminary works on time and commissioned 17 boreholes in Mavrosouvala, increasing inflows, while quantities of water are also being pumped from Ylikis to discharge the Evinos-Mornos system.

“We will activate,” he adds, other available wells according to our design. “In total, we will add approximately 75 million cubic meters of water per year, thus reducing the deficit by 35%,” he adds.

The following is the full text of the interview of the president of the Board of Directors of EYDAP Giorgos Stergiou to APE-MBE and Giorgos Psyllias

Q: Mr. Stergiou, how big is the problem with the lack of water in the capital? Are people worried seeing this image in Morno with the village that has surfaced as it did 32 years ago, in 1992?

The prolonged dry spell of the last two years reduces the water reserves in the reservoirs that water Attica, a development that requires initiatives to adapt to these new conditions. But under no circumstances can and will not be called into question the uninterrupted supply of high quality drinking water to the residents of the Basin.

Q: From then until today, the water supply system of the capital was strengthened with the work of Evinos. Is that not enough?

Attica is supplied with water almost exclusively from the Evinos – Mornos system, with Ylikis and Marathonas as reserve reservoirs. The design was and still is to have a balance between inputs and outputs so that their level remains at constant levels. This, however, has now been disturbed due to the lack of rainfall and we are called on by the state and the company together, with a series of actions to restore it.

Q: You have already stated that you implemented the first backup measures provided for in the EYDAP plan. What are these?

EYDAP has a plan to deal with special conditions, such as today’s, which is implemented each time depending on the requirements of the situation. So, after completing all the preliminary works on time, we put 17 boreholes into operation in Mavrosouvala, increasing the inflows, while we pump quantities of water from Ylikis in order to discharge the Evinos-Mornos system. We will also activate other available wells as per our design. In total, we will add approximately 75 million cubic meters of water per year, thus reducing the deficit by 35%. At the same time, with an information campaign that is already running, we seek to raise awareness among citizens about limiting unnecessary consumption.

Q: When can we say we are in the “red”?

The timing of the implementation of our corporate planning is affected by climatic conditions. Therefore, in the event of an extension of the dry season, in close cooperation with the Ministry of Environment and Energy, we have drawn up a road map with realistic solutions that will ensure the necessary water reserves within the next four years.

Q: In terms of your longer-term plans, given the climate crisis as well, how will you move from here on out?

We have already started and will accelerate projects to optimize the operation of the water supply network and the gradual replacement of 840 kilometers of old pipelines to further reduce losses. We are implementing a major plan to use reclaimed water for irrigation and industrial uses to replace quantities of drinking water.

At the same time, with the decisive contribution of the state, long-term solutions such as the partial diversion of water from rivers that end up in the Kremasta lake, the integration of new reservoirs, the enrichment of the underground aquifer with reclaimed water, the optimal management of rainwater and desalination, with use of green, energy resources. They are solutions that all have positive elements and are sure to be either complementary or alternative options in the future. Their prioritization, however, is based on the initial investment cost, the operating cost, the environmental impact and of course the required implementation time.

Q: If things get even more difficult, could there be restrictive measures and an increase in the price of water?

The long duration of high temperatures combined with African dust have already increased water consumption in 2024. If with the help of citizens we stop this trend and return to the levels of the previous three years we will have achieved a first major victory.

In relation to tariffs, these have not changed for about 15 years and are among the lowest in Europe. Despite the challenges of both inflation and the climate crisis we seek to become even more efficient so that they remain at low levels.

Q: Could the new data delay some EYDAP network expansion projects?

I would say the opposite. Adapting to the new conditions requires knowledge, experience and will, elements possessed by the management, executives and employees of EYDAP. The government’s recent legislative initiatives expand the company’s field of activity both geographically and in terms of its subject matter. We will not let this opportunity go unexploited.