Astypalea faces acute water crisis due to severe drought

The Greek island of Astypalea is facing a severe water crisis due to extreme drought. The island's main reservoir, Frágma, has seen water levels drop to one-sixth of normal capacity following two years of minimal rainfall. In 2025, the island received only 25 millimeters of rain, significantly less than the 650 millimeters recorded on Rhodes.

To address the shortage, authorities declared a state of emergency in May. Local officials have implemented emergency measures, including the rental of a provisional desalination plant that began operations in early July. Long-term plans involve the construction of two permanent desalination plants, each capable of producing approximately 600 cubic meters of water per day, with funding secured in January.

Residents have reported significant challenges, including concerns over tap water quality. Some locals have resorted to using bottled water for drinking, cooking, and bathing to avoid skin irritation and potential contaminants. The crisis is particularly acute during the tourist season, when the population swells from approximately 1,300 permanent residents to over 30,000 visitors.