Aegina island water crisis enters second month

[Intime News]

Residents of Aegina island have been using brackish groundwater since December 20 after the underwater pipeline connecting them to Athens’ water supply failed for the third time since 2022.

Regional authorities found the water inadequately chlorinated and containing microorganisms. Mayor Giannis Zorbas said reserves were depleted on December 20, forcing reliance on local wells. “It’s like building a highway and now searching for a side road because the main road keeps closing,” Zorbas said.

The €24.7 million pipeline, stretching 14 kilometers at depths up to 90 meters, connected Aegina to the mainland water network in early 2022, ending reliance on costly water tankers. The latest break occurred at 48 meters depth, where temporary repairs were made in 2024.

The contractor has agreed on a repair solution involving an anchoring “ring” and brought eight divers and equipment, awaiting suitable weather conditions. Work requires 15 days, and divers can only work 10 minutes daily at that depth.