Recent tests conducted by the Municipal Water Supply and Sewerage Company of Serres (DEYAS) revealed elevated uranium levels in two water sources that serve approximately 2,000 residents in the Serres municipality. As a result, the water has been classified as unsafe for drinking and cooking.
DEYAS announced that the water ban affects seven areas within the municipality, including: 1) Melenikiotika, north of Delphi Street above Papastefanou Street, 2) the end of Evthalia Adam Street near Papazoglou Street, 3) Serres – Chrysopigi District Road, 4) Chrysopigi Settlement, 5) Metochiou Settlement, 6) D. Municipality of Lefkonas, and 7) Municipality of Christos.
A press conference was held on Thursday to discuss the measures being implemented for consumer protection. Varvara Mitliaga, the mayor of Serres and president of DEYAS, emphasized that this situation pertains to the “enforcement of the European directive on drinking water quality,” with all DEYAS across the country required to comply by January 12, 2026. In line with this, the Ministry of Health issued a circular on April 9, 2025, urging relevant agencies to initiate preventive checks to ensure that drinking water meets specified parametric standards for various new substances, including bisphenol A, chlorates, chlorides, haloacetic acids, microcystin-LR, total PFAS, and uranium.
Mitliaga noted, “DEYA Serres was among the first in the country to promptly test its entire water supply network. Initial results indicated slightly elevated uranium levels in some areas. We took immediate action to inform the Directorate of Public Health, the Ministry of Health, and the relevant regional authorities.”
Deputy Regional Governor of Serres, Panagiotis Spyropoulos, emphasized the importance of addressing the issue responsibly and following scientific guidelines. He commended DEYA Serres for its swift action in conducting tests and identifying the problems promptly.
General Director of DEYAS, Nikos Safarikas, assured citizens that the municipality of Serres and DEYAS are committed to keeping them informed about the steps taken. He revealed that exceedances were detected in the Batania and Moravona sources, impacting approximately 2,000 out of the total 47,100 supplies in the Serres municipality.
DEYAS announced that a follow-up statement regarding the lifting of the ban will be made soon, depending on guidance from the Public Health Directorate. Plans for water purification projects have already begun, aiming to permanently resolve the issue of elevated uranium levels in the affected areas.
Ask me anything
Explore related questions
