Drought: Final Decisions on Water Projects by June

By June, clear measures against drought at all levels will have been taken, according to Petros Varelidis, General Secretary for Natural Environment and Water. Speaking at the first workshop in the series ‘Water Alliances / Knowledge-Solution-Action for the Future of Water’, organized by the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE), EYDAP, the TEE-TMEDH Institute, and the ‘We are Greece’ Institute, he stated that final decisions regarding projects to be implemented in Attica and their prioritization will also have been made. The most cost-effective proposal involves connecting Attica with Lake Kremaston. Following this is desalination in the area of Itea, and finally, water transfer via large water tankers from the mouth of the Acheloos River to Aspra Spitia and Thisvi in Boeotia. Varelidis emphasized the need for effectiveness over theory, stating that if action begins now, tangible results could be seen nationwide within two years. Konstantinos Makedos, president of TMEDH, noted the availability of technical expertise and companies capable of undertaking complex new projects. Haris Sachinis, Managing Director of EYDAP, highlighted the importance of forming alliances to provide solutions, as water reserves may only last another 2.5 years. Greece faces significant rainfall distribution disparities, with western regions having abundant water while eastern areas suffer shortages. Ironically, Corfu, despite high rainfall, currently faces severe water management issues due to chronic administrative inefficiencies. Varelidis stressed that decisive action is needed, with plans to strengthen major providers like EYDAP and EYATH, promoting voluntary mergers among smaller providers.