Greek water sector overhaul expands EYDAP, EYATH under new law

The Ministry of Environment and Energy has introduced a comprehensive water‑sector reform that will consolidate more than 735 existing water, wastewater and irrigation providers into two public utilities – EYDAP and EYATH. EYDAP’s jurisdiction will be extended to cover the whole of mainland Attica, Aegina, Agistri, Boeotia, Phocis and Euboea, and for the first time it will also manage irrigation. EYATH will take over the entire Regional Units of Thessaloniki and Chalkidiki. In total, 68 providers – 43 under EYDAP and 25 under EYATH – will be absorbed, including municipal water enterprises, DEYA units and improvement organisations. The state will cover at least 75 % of the DEYA debts, amounting to around €200 million, and an overall financing package of up to €400 million will support 103 infrastructure projects in 63 municipalities (budget €142‑144 million). The reform aims to end the fragmented “mosaic” of water management, reduce operational costs, improve water quality, curb waste and address drought and climate‑change challenges. It also seeks to create economies of scale, improve access to EU funding and protect workers’ rights during the transition. A public consultation on the draft law runs from 10 July to 20 July 2026.