The year 2026 has brought a much-needed wave of optimism for Athens’ water reserves. Following ten consecutive months of alarming shrinkage, the Mornos reservoir—Athens’ primary water source—has shown its first signs of recovery.
Heavy rainfall and significant snowfall across Western Greece over the last few weeks have successfully reversed the downward trend, causing the lake’s surface area to expand for the first time in nearly a year.
The impact on EYDAP’s (Athens Water Supply and Sewerage Company) reserves has been immediate and substantial. In just the first two weeks of January 2026, the Mornos reservoir saw an inflow of approximately 45 million cubic meters of water, representing a 22.35% increase in its total stock.
Athens water reserves in Lake Yliki
Simultaneously, Central Greece is seeing similar benefits. Runoff from the surrounding mountains is channeling vast quantities of water into Lake Yliki, replenishing a vital secondary reserve. Since its emergency reintegration into the Athens supply network in 2024, Yliki and the Mavrosouvala drilling sites have become essential lifelines, currently covering roughly 40% of the capital’s daily consumption.
While the primary Mornos and Evinos systems still provide 60% of the city’s needs, this recent surge in precipitation offers a critical buffer against the ongoing threat of water scarcity.
This recent surge of water, captured in footage by Up Stories, marks a critical moment in the ongoing effort to secure the capital’s water future.
Related: Mykonos Battles Water Crisis With Emergency Desalination Unit
