The critical situation in Greece stems from its immense demand for water from both tourism and agriculture, which threatens to rapidly transform the country into a desert. Ironically, each year, around 5 out of the 9.5 billion cubic meters of water consumed nationally is lost due to leaks in the outdated and poorly maintained network of 7,000 kilometers of pipelines.
Research from the World Resources Institute and findings from Deloitte confirm the urgent warnings of scientists: Greece ranks 19th globally in drought risk, as the demand for water rises while reserves dwindle. According to the latest report from GeoHazards, nearly 49% of the nation’s land area is highly susceptible to desertification, largely attributed to human activities.
The Risk of Desertification: 50% of Water Lost Before Reaching the Tap
This issue is crucial. As climate change accelerates due to human actions, water supplies are diminishing at an alarming rate. Greece’s situation is complex: the eastern regions receive rainfall similar to that of Alexandria, Egypt—known for its droughts—while the west sees rainfall comparable to Paris, famous for its abundant rain. Despite this, Greece is not shielded from broader regional challenges that affect water availability.
Water Demands of Tourism
As surface water and reservoir levels fall to critical thresholds, a Deloitte report for the Greek government reveals that urban water withdrawals in Greece doubled from 2001 to 2022.
Over these two decades, withdrawals surged by 139%, driven largely by heavy tourism, increased per capita consumption, and significant losses in distribution networks—up to 50%. The issue is particularly acute in tourist-heavy regions like the Cyclades, where summer consumption spikes amidst limited water resources.
The Risk of Desertification: 50% of Water Lost Before Reaching the Tap
Data from Professor Lazaros Florido-Benítez at the University of Málaga shows that tourists in Catalonia use an average of 163 liters of water each day, while luxury hotel guests consume up to 240 liters—outpacing the 160 liters used by residents of Barcelona. Similarly, tourists on Sifnos often use 2 to 3 times more water than local residents, primarily due to frequent showers, laundry, and pool usage.
Mayors from islands like Sifnos, Paros, and Naxos raise important questions: Why should their tourism-dependent economies heavily tax the islands’ limited water resources? Is it necessary for every establishment to have pools when stunning beaches are within reach? Why do large homes and expansive gardens occupy water-scarce land?
The Impact of Drought on Agriculture
Irrigation is Greece’s most significant threat from drought, with agriculture consuming over 80% of the nation’s freshwater. Traditional flooding irrigation methods are highly inefficient and result in substantial water loss.
Per studies by Deloitte and WRI, Greece has the highest water consumption per hectare of irrigated land in the EU, exceeding other Mediterranean nations with similar climates. Interestingly, while agricultural activity has declined recently, irrigation water withdrawals remain high or have increased due to rising temperatures, which elevate water needs and issues with outdated irrigation infrastructure, often over 20 years old.
Additionally, the cultivation of water-intensive crops, such as cotton and corn—especially in arid regions—places further strain on water supplies, leading to policies that may exacerbate the situation.
Greece on the Brink of Desertification
In recent years, Greece has faced a worsening water crisis due to poor resource management and accelerated climate change effects. Scientific predictions and recent data illustrate a troubling trend: fewer rainfall events, prolonged droughts, and rising temperatures deplete natural water reserves.
The Risk of Desertification: 50% of Water Lost Before Reaching the Tap
Soil erosion in Greece totals about four tons per hectare per year—double the European average—leading to accelerated land degradation. Rainfall has decreased by 10-20% over the last few decades, particularly in southern areas and islands, while average temperatures have risen by about 1.5°C since the mid-20th century, hastening soil and reservoir evaporation, and further reducing water supplies.
Climate change also negatively impacts groundwater supplies. Over-extraction for agriculture and seawater intrusion in coastal areas contributes to salinization and threatens freshwater resources. Regions including Crete, Thessaly, Peloponnese, and the Aegean islands are already experiencing water stress, prompting local authorities to resort to emergency methods like desalination and tanker water transportation.
The most recent GeoHazards report assessed Greece’s susceptibility to desertification using the Environmental Sensitive Areas Index (ESAI). It concluded that about 30% of Greece is already degraded, with an additional 49% at risk of desertification.
Desertification stems from both natural and human-induced factors, including intensive agriculture, excessive water extraction, deforestation, and inadequate land management. Areas most vulnerable include Crete, Lesbos, Eastern Central Greece, Peloponnese, and parts of Thessaly and Thrace.
Water Losses in Distribution Networks
As Greece grapples with escalating water management issues, one of the most urgent yet under-discussed challenges is the significant water loss in distribution networks. Official statistics reveal that up to 50% of drinking water in many areas is lost due to leaks, failures, or aging infrastructure.
This issue extends beyond remote villages or aging urban areas. Even major cities and tourist destinations like Athens, Thessaloniki, Rhodes, and Corfu face losses between 30% and 45%, with some smaller municipalities seeing even higher rates. In Attica, EYDAP reports approximately 15% of water is lost to leaks, with plans to reduce this to 8-9% by 2029.
The majority of Greece’s water supply systems were constructed in the 1960s and 1970s, lacking modern standards. The combination of aging pipes, inadequate regulation, and limited maintenance investment has led to a system with significant leaks and frequent issues. With a network spanning 7,000 km, urgent replacement is necessary.
Hydropower and Water Scarcity
As climate change exacerbates both supply and demand issues, Greece ranks 19th globally for drought risk. Reduced rainfall and increased water utilization for irrigation and other uses are major concerns, according to studies from the World Resources Institute and Deloitte. This report highlights serious challenges in water resource management.
It notes that between 2001 and 2022, Greece’s water withdrawals for urban use doubled (+139%), attributed mainly to tourism, increased per capita consumption, and substantial losses (up to 50%) in distribution networks. Tourist hotspots like the Cyclades are especially affected by high summer demand amidst dwindling supplies. Meanwhile, surface water availability has declined, with groundwater extraction soaring by 80% from 2000 to 2022—now at 6,221 million cubic meters annually—while surface water use has dropped by 40%. This imbalance endangers aquifers and raises risks of seawater intrusion in areas with heavy groundwater extraction.
The situation is further complicated by declining reservoir levels in hydropower plants operated by DEI (Public Power Corporation). Despite recent rainfall, storage levels remain among the lowest historically, posing threats to both water security and electricity costs.
Proposed Solutions for the Islands
Confronting the potential of half the country turning into desert and ongoing water shortages, the Greek government is exploring solutions. Emergency measures include transferring water from the Acheloos River via tankers to Athens, while long-term strategies are being developed for vulnerable regions. Desalination units and effective water management practices are essential for island communities.
The government, in collaboration with relevant ministries, has initiated a series of actions aimed at improving water security and tackling drought on the islands, including a recent allocation of €3.5 million for 33 projects across 21 island regions. Additional projects are being planned for islands with recorded water shortages, such as Gavdos, Crete, Oinousses, Pátmos, Ios, Psara, Corfu, the Diapontia Islands, Leros, Amorgos, Anafi, Nisyros, Heraklion, Skiathos, Kythnos, Astypalaia, Naxos, Agios Efstratios, Lesbos, Lipsi, and Tinos.
Funding will also support measures for 13 other islands facing similar water scarcity challenges, focusing primarily on the establishment and enhancement of desalination facilities. Initiatives include upgrading pipelines, installing “smart” meters, and automating control systems to minimize water leaks, conserve resources, and enhance energy efficiency.
Over 80 projects—funded through the Public Investment Program and Recovery Fund—aim to bolster water security on islands. These include small dams, storage tanks, new wells, and improvements to energy independence in pumping and desalination operations.
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