Greece is facing the possibility of water shortages due to extremely high temperatures and tourist overflow in this hottest of summers. The highest temperatures ever have been recorded this June.
As visitor flows seem to be approaching record-breaking levels, the prospect of water shortages seems like an alarming possibility compounded by the issue of summer wildfires in Greece. It is a combination of factors that has Greek authorities in a state of alarm.
Greece’s climate is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Over the past few decades, there has been a noticeable trend of rising temperatures, with heatwaves becoming more frequent and intense. According to the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS), Greece has experienced an increase in average temperatures, with recent summers breaking historical records.
In the summer of 2021, Greece suffered prolonged heatwaves with temperatures soaring above 40°C (104°F). Such extreme temperatures significantly impact water availability because of increased evaporation and heightened demand for water.
The problem of water shortage could be more serious on Greek islands during the busy summer months, especially at the most popular tourist destinations such as Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, and Corfu among others.
Capri takes drastic measures to avoid water shortages
The problem of water shortage forced the mayor of Capri in neighboring Italy to block the arrival of tourists last Saturday. The popular island is going through a water crisis with some areas having no water supply at all, Euronews reports.
Mayor Paolo Falco said, “The health and hygiene situation is explosive, [and] we have taken our countermeasures and activated the crisis unit and issued a restrictive order.”
A failure in the mainland’s water system has left the municipality of Anacapri completely dry. The water supply is only through local reservoirs which may run out.
According to the report, maritime authorities ordered ferries and hydrofoils that had already departed for Capri to return to the mainland.
High temperatures exacerbate water shortage
Higher temperatures during summer months can exacerbate water shortage for several reasons, including the following below.
- Evaporation Rates: Increased temperatures lead to higher evaporation rates from water bodies such as lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. This natural process reduces the overall volume of available water, making it more challenging to meet the demands of both urban and rural areas.
- Water Demand: As temperatures rise, water consumption typically increases. Households use more water for cooling and hydration, while the agricultural sector requires more for irrigation to sustain crops under heat stress. This surge in demand can strain existing water supplies. Add to this several million tourist arrivals, and water shortage becomes real.
- Precipitation Patterns: Although June is not typically a wet month in Greece, a trend of reduced spring precipitation can diminish water reserves leading into the summer. Less rainfall in the preceding months means lower groundwater levels and reduced reservoir volumes, setting the stage for potential shortages.
Water resources in Greece
Greece’s water management infrastructure includes a network of dams, reservoirs, and aqueducts designed to store and distribute water. However, these systems face significant challenges during the peak summer months. Reports from the Athens Water Supply and Sewerage Company (EYDAP) indicate major reservoirs, such as those in Marathon and Yliki, have been experiencing lower than average levels at the beginning of summer seasons. This trend is generating concern, as the reservoirs are critical for supplying water to the Athens metropolitan area and other regions.
In response to the growing threat of water shortage, the Greek government has implemented several measures aimed at improving water management and conservation. These include the below ones.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: The Greek government has implemented programs to raise awareness on the importance of water conservation. These campaigns encourage households and businesses to adopt water-saving practices, particularly during hot summer months.
- Infrastructure Improvements: Investments in upgrading and maintaining water distribution networks are in place. Reducing leakage and improving the efficiency of water delivery systems can help mitigate the impact of increased demand.
- Regulatory Measures: Implementing regulations to prioritize water use during periods of scarcity is vital. This includes restrictions on non-essential water use and the allocation of water resources to critical sectors such as agriculture and public health.
Given the historical data and current trends, Greece is at significant risk of facing water shortages this summer, as June 2024 turned out to be the hottest on record. The combination of increased evaporation, heightened water demand, and potentially reduced water reserves presents a substantial challenge. However, the extent of water shortage will depend largely on the effectiveness of water management strategies and the public’s adherence to conservation measures.
While proactive measures by the government and local authorities can mitigate some of the risks, continuous monitoring and adaptive management is crucial. A concerted effort is needed to ensure sustainable water supply during the hot summer months. In conclusion, although severe water shortage is not a foregone conclusion, the potential for such an outcome is high, necessitating vigilant and responsive water management practices to safeguard Greece’s water resources.