Greek Islands Face Tourist Season Water Crisis
The Greek Islands, renowned for their picturesque scenery, are facing a severe water crisis exacerbated by low rainfall, extreme heat, and high tourist demand. Several islands, including Naxos, Leros, and Tinos, have declared states of emergency as reservoirs and underground sources deplete.
Naxos, which has seen its rain-fed reservoirs shrink to a third of their previous capacity, is currently managing but bracing for increased tourist demand. Similarly, Tinos, lacking reservoirs, is struggling with dwindling groundwater, impacting both residents and farmers. On Leros, water shortages prompted the Greek Navy to deliver emergency supplies, although long-term solutions remain elusive.
Climate change has intensified the situation, with Greece experiencing its warmest winter and significantly reduced rainfall. This extreme weather, coupled with the Mediterranean Sea’s record-high temperatures, has further stressed water resources.
Desalination has emerged as a critical solution. Naxos relies on four temporary units, while Tinos operates five to six units, producing enough water for two Olympic-sized swimming pools daily. However, maintenance issues have plagued some islands, like Leros, where faulty desalination units have worsened the crisis.
The surge in tourism and related development, such as swimming pools, has further strained water supplies. Experts argue that tourism is unsustainable in its current form, exacerbating the demand crisis.
To address the shortage, Naxos is planning for future water management through recycling and new funding, while Leros and Tinos are investing in repair and expansion of desalination infrastructure. A centralized water management system and a shift in water consumption habits are deemed essential for long-term sustainability.
As August approaches with peak tourist season and continued heat waves, the situation remains critical. Effective, sustainable solutions are needed to ensure the islands can cope with future challenges and continue to thrive.
Re-reported from the article originally published in CNN.
