GREECE'S WATER WOES: A CRISIS OF SELF-SUPPLY
Water worries are on the rise among Greek specialists, and the situation isn't looking too bright. The Mornos Reservoir, a key provider of freshwater to Athens and a significant Greek city, has seen a significant drop in water levels over the past two years.
According to data from the Athens' meteorological service, the precipitation deficit, coupled with high temperatures and mild winters with minimal snow, has led to less meltwater and a decrease in the reservoir's surface area. The once sprawling 17 square kilometers Mornos Reservoir now stands at about 12 square kilometers, with the most substantial decline observed in the last 12 months.
The drop is not limited to the Mornos Reservoir. Kallio, an abandoned village that once lay submerged beneath the water, has resurfaced. Meanwhile, the levels at Aposelemi Dam on Crete and the artificial Lake Pinios on the Peloponnese peninsula are also dwindling.
Drought has begun making its mark on nature and human life in northern Greece. Tourist attractions like the salt lake Pikrolimni, once popular for its mud baths, have become near-empty. The municipality of Kilkis has even appealed to its residents to conserve water.
A Crisis Unfolds
The ripple effects of this water scarcity have led to a water crisis emergency declaration by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection for 14 municipalities in Greece, including popular tourist islands such as Crete, Sifnos, Leros, and Kefalonia.
A Drizzle of Hope
Meteorologists are on the lookout for anticipated rains, hoping that the incoming drizzle will bring relief to the parched regions. Greeks are also clinging to an old saying, that a hot, dry summer will be followed by a cold, snowy winter.
The current water issues in Greece can be largely attributed to climate change factors, specifically reduced rainfall, high temperatures, and mild winters. The severe water crisis has led to a water crisis emergency declaration by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, affecting several municipalities and popular tourist islands.
Climate change is not the sole culprit behind Greece's ongoing water crisis. Overexploitation of water resources, including the over-tapping of groundwater and reduced rainfall, has compounded the problem. Additionally, the booming tourism industry puts a strain on water sources, as increased demand for water rises during peak tourist seasons.
These factors have led to critically low reservoir levels across Cyprus and other Mediterranean countries. The reduced water supply affects agriculture in various ways, causing farmers to suffer significant losses and impairing key areas of their income.
The drought has voiced concerns for economic stability in Greece, with emergency declarations issued in response in regions like Anafi, Amorgos, and Santorini. Efforts to mitigate the crisis include expanding desalination capacity, providing financial assistance to farmers, and constructing mobile desalination units.
Worrying times call for collaborative efforts. Efforts to promote sustainable water use, conserve resources, and reinvest in infrastructure will prove crucial to surviving Greece's ongoing water crisis.
