Attica water security questioned as analysis points to significant shortfalls

An expert advising Greece’s Regulatory Authority for Waste, Energy and Water (RAAEY) is urging the declaration of a state of emergency for drought conditions in the Attica region, citing persistent water scarcity and the need for rapid protective measures. The authority, however, reached no decision on the matter during its meeting on Thursday.

Christos Makropoulos, a professor in the School of Civil Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens and director of the Laboratory of Applied Hydraulics, was asked by RAAEY to evaluate data submitted by the Athens Water Supply and Sewerage Company (EYDAP) to the Environment Ministry in support of the emergency request. He told Kathimerini that he recommended approving EYDAP’s proposal, noting that conditions should be reassessed in line with evolving rainfall patterns.

“It is absolutely correct that we are in a prolonged period of drought,” Makropoulos said. “This winter looks much better than last year’s, at least according to the October and November data so far. It is not dramatically better in the Evinos basin, which is the one that concerns us. I want to believe that this hydrological cycle is nearing its end.”

But he warned that improved conditions do not eliminate the need for action. He said forecasts cannot yet provide “a clear prediction” on whether Athens might face a water shortfall in the next three to five years. Statistical estimates, he noted, allow for a “2-5% probability” of a failure amounting to 20-30 million cubic meters – roughly equivalent to one month of consumption in the capital. “The state is obliged to take measures, but without panic,” he added.

Makropoulos urged immediate and medium-term interventions, beginning with sharply reducing water allocated for irrigation. EYDAP estimates that irrigation uses 30-35 million cubic meters annually. He acknowledged the decision would be difficult and would require support measures for affected farmers. Increasing withdrawals from Lake Yliki, already under way, is “in the right direction,” he said.

For the medium term, he called for reducing losses in the open Evinos-Mornos canal –estimated at 50 million cubic meters per year – and accelerating water-reuse projects, especially in Eastern Attica, where delays persist. He also pointed to the need for legislative action to speed household connections to new treatment plants and make reclaimed water mandatory for farmers, along with sealing illegal wells. Under legislation adopted in July, the environment minister cannot declare an emergency without RAAEY’s consent.