The alarm bell for the reduction of water resources in the country due to climate change, which she characterizes as extremely serious, which is constantly worsening, says the professor of Hydrology at the University of Western Attica Elizabeth Feloni.

Speaking to the Athens Agency, Mrs. Feloni emphasizes that “if further measures are not taken to conserve water and sustainably manage water resources, Attica may once again face serious water supply problems, such as those seen three decades ago.”

Furthermore, he notes that “to address the problem of diminishing water resources in Greece, a holistic and long-term strategy is required that will ensure water sufficiency for the coming decades. A central role in this effort is played by the improvement of water supply and sewage infrastructure, which must be upgraded immediately to reduce water leaks, which are still a significant problem in many areas.”

The following is the full text of the interview of Hydrology professor Elissavet Felonis at APE-MBE and George Psyllias

Q: Mrs. Feloni, how serious is the problem with the reduction of water resources in the wider Greek territory?

The problem with the reduction of water resources in Greece it is extremely serious and is getting worse due to climate changethe increased water demand and irrational management. The effects are severe in both mainland and island Greece, with many areas in an alarming state. This situation is not new. Already, since the beginning of 2000, the scientific community, through major European research projects, had warned of the serious consequences, estimating that the runoff could decrease by up to 40% by 2050, due to the increase in temperatures and the decrease in rainfall.

The recent prolonged dry spell, especially in the last two years, has highlighted the delay in investing in critical water infrastructure, which is becoming more pronounced with the evolution of climate conditions and the growth of tourism. Despite the adoption of the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC), which was an important first step, the opportunity for the formulation of a Unified National Plan for the Sustainable Management of Water Resources was not sufficiently exploited. Such a plan should focus on optimizing the management of existing infrastructure, planning and prioritizing new investments, as well as promoting non-construction measures.

Q: Do you think that the wider area of ​​the capital will face a water shortage problem like in the early 90s?

The wider region of the capital has faced serious water shortage problems in the past, with the most typical period being that of the early 90s. In 1989, the highest annual water consumption (376 million m³) was recorded, while already in the previous year a significant decrease in the inflows into the reservoirs was observed, leading to an almost seven-year drought period. Today, Athens’ water supply system has been strengthened with the addition of the Evinos Reservoir and improvements have been made to the distribution networks, making the system more resilient than at that time. Although annual consumption now exceeds 400 million m³, the situation has improved, but the problem of water scarcity remains relevant, as climate change and increased temperatures increase the risks of new periods of water scarcity. If further measures are not taken to save water and manage water resources sustainably, Attica may face serious water supply problems againlike those observed three decades ago.

EN: When can we say that it will have hit “red” for the lack of water in the capital?

It is not easy to predict exactly when the water shortage will “hit the red” in Athens, as it depends on many factors, such as climate changes, water resource management and water consumption. However, if current trends continue and scenarios predicting a 20-30% decrease in rainfall are verified, the chances of severe water shortages increase significantly within the next 20 years. This eventuality will become more likely if substantial measures are not taken to save and rationally manage water resources, such as upgrading infrastructure, strengthening water recycling systems and further exploiting it for uses such as irrigation, and informing and public awareness to reduce consumption.

Q: In your opinion, how should the problem with the limitation of water resources in the country be dealt with and what are the projects that will create safety conditions at least for the capital and Thessaloniki?

To address the problem of the reduction of water resources in Greece, a holistic and long-term strategy is needed to ensure water sufficiency for the coming decades. Central to this effort is the improvement of water supply and drainage infrastructure, which must be upgraded immediately to reduce water leaks, which are still a significant problem in many areas. The construction of new dams and storage reservoirs, as well as the strengthening of existing infrastructure, is critical to ensuring water sufficiency, especially for large urban areas such as Athens and Thessaloniki.

At the same time, water recycling and reuse must be integrated on a larger scale, especially in industries and agricultural crops, where consumption is particularly high. The implementation of systems that allow the reuse of treated water for irrigation and other non-potable uses will contribute significantly to reducing overall demand.

Saving water, both at the domestic and public level, is also crucial. Public information and awareness, comprehensive educational programs in our schools, along with the promotion of conservation technologies such as smart irrigation systems and low water consumption devices, should be a priority.

The use of alternative water sources, such as desalination, especially on islands, and more efficient management of aquifers, can offer important solutions to the problem of water scarcity. However, to ensure the sustainable management of water resources, strategies that take into account future climate conditions must be developed and implemented. To take into account and strengthen more research on the effects of climate change, so that water management systems can be properly adjusted based on the estimates of a decrease in rainfall and an increase in temperatures, to protect the country from future crises of water scarcity.

With the correct implementation of these measures, Greece can ensure the sufficiency of its water resources, protecting both the large cities and the rest of the country from the risk of water shortages.

Q: Mrs. Feloni, how can the problem on the islands, which seems to be the biggest at the moment, be dealt with?

Addressing water scarcity in the Greek islands requires a combined approach. Desalination is a central solution, as the installation of desalination units can ensure a constant supply of water throughout the year. To be sustainable, these units would need to run on renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power.

At the same time, the creation of small dams and reservoirs to collect and store rainwater can enhance the islands’ autonomy, especially in periods of low rainfall. However, the efficiency of this solution depends on the local characteristics of each island.

Groundwater management is also critical. Protecting aquifers and controlling over-extraction will contribute to the sustainable use of available resources. Also, the adoption of new water-saving technologies, such as smart irrigation systems and the reuse of treated water, can reduce consumption and improve overall water management.

Furthermore, raising awareness and educating residents and visitors about the importance of rational water use is important and here we are also lagging behind as a country. Solving the problem requires coordinated actions at the level of central and local administration, as well as cooperation between private and public agencies. In particular, the promotion of sustainable tourism and the adoption of best practices will contribute to addressing water scarcity. Finally, as we have already mentioned, the development of a Unified National Plan for the Sustainable Management of Water Resources, which includes both short-term and long-term strategies, is necessary to ensure the sustainability of the islands and prevent future problems.