After a period of discussions and hydrological analyzes there is a specific and costed framework of medium and long-term plans for the shielding of Attica, Boeotia, Thessaloniki and Halkidiki from water shortage. This was stated by the Minister of Environment and Energy, Stavros Papastavrou during a press conference, in the context of the event for its 100 years EYDAP.

As announced by the Minister of the Interior, the expansion of EYDAP and EYATH in Boeotia and Halkidiki respectively, ensures a coordinated joint management that ensures interoperability and efficiency. The minister made it clear that equal emphasis will be placed on irrigation for farmers, while stressing that this is the most sustainable, effective and optimal solution for dealing with water shortages and losses that in many cases even reach 50%. As he said, it is extremely important to domesticate the fragmentation of water providers, while with these two pilot extensions from 750, their number will be reduced to 700. In fact, he clarified that all efforts are being made so that there is no need to introduce restrictions on consumption.

Mr. Papastavrou reiterated that there is a specific project, the “Erytus“, which shields Attica for the next 30 years, which creates a clear axis for dealing with the water shortage for the next years.

Evrytos’ project shields Attica for the next 30 years with excellent quality water. With 220 million cubic meters per year, the project ensures the basin for water needs, while its cost amounts to 500 million euros. The project makes use of the existing infrastructure, while when there is excess water, the Evinos reservoir will be used, at zero cost since the reinforcement of said reservoir is done by gravity, with very little environmental burden.

EYDAP’s plans for the Evrytos project include the sequential hydraulic connection of the Karpenisiotis and Krikeliotis rivers with the Evinos reservoir, with two consecutive tunnels with a total length of 20 km and low-height headworks with automatically operated arched gates. As underlined, the project is expected to be completed within 2029, with transparent and impartial tendering procedures.

Sahinis: “We have both Plan B and Plan C”

In addition, according to the managing director of EYDAP, Haris Sahini, the actions for the shielding of Attica are as follows: Operation of Mavrosouvala wells, reduction by 70% of the 1st environmental supply of the Evinos Reservoir, activation of the Hungarian wells, seventeen wells and three pumping stations for the utilization of the Boiotiko Kifisos project which provides water for irrigation and water supply. In total the projects ensure 149 million cubic meters per year.

In the event that the Evrytos project is delayed, EYDAP’s “Plan B” includes desalination projects in Thisvi, N. Peramos and Lavrio, which, however, are particularly costly.

As mentioned by Mr. Sahinis, Athens has the cheapest and best quality water in Europe, while he underlined that pricing issues concern RAAEF. As for water leaks, they are currently at 15% while the goal is to reduce them to 11%. Mr. Sahinis referred to the new remunerative regulatory framework and emphasized that any profits will be returned to new infrastructure and services for the benefit of the citizen.

On his part, Mr. Petros Varelidis. The Secretary General of Natural Environment and Water finally pointed out that it is the obligation of each provider to budget in their five-year plan the future increase in demand, especially in tourist areas.