Athens is in the grips of a serious water crisis. Its key reservoirs, Mornos and Yliki, have seen water levels drop by about 40% in recent years. This situation has pushed the Attica region into its worst water shortage in a decade.
The Mornos reservoir has shrunk to nearly half its size, and Yliki has faced significant water loss, especially over the past year. Experts warn that this drought may be one of the worst since the extended dry spell from 1988 to 1994.
To combat this issue, the government will implement strict water usage guidelines. They are also fast-tracking major infrastructure improvements.
One of the key projects is the Evrytos initiative, which plans to bring in excess water from Lake Kremasta, located in central Greece. This involves integrating it into Attica’s water supply network. Additionally, EYDAP, the local water utility, is investing €2.5 billion to upgrade facilities with smart monitoring and water reuse technologies.
The drought’s impact is clear. Recent years have seen fewer rainy days and less snow in the mountains, which affects natural water inflow. Even heavy storms have not helped much, as a lot of the water ends up flowing into the sea instead of replenishing reservoirs.
Public cooperation is vital in these difficult times. Reducing excess water use will be essential as Athens navigates this growing crisis. Staying informed and making small changes in our daily routines can help protect this vital resource.
Interestingly, a recent survey found that 75% of Athenians are aware of the water crisis and are willing to adjust their habits to conserve water. Social media trends reveal numerous community initiatives aimed at promoting water-saving practices, showing that residents are ready to play their part.
For more detailed insights into the ongoing water issues, you can refer to the [latest report from the World Bank](https://www.worldbank.org/en/research). This report discusses global water scarcity and its implications for urban areas worldwide, drawing parallels to Athens’ current challenges.
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ATHENS, CLIMATE CRISIS, ENVIRONMENT, WATER, NEWS
