Greek islands confront chronic water scarcity as officials demand infrastructure overhaul

The Greek Ministry of Environment and Water and the head of the Hellenic Association of Water Supply and Sewerage (OASP) warned that water scarcity on the islands is a structural problem, not a temporary one. They linked the shortage to inadequate water‑supply networks, uncontrolled tourist development and loss of up to 60 % of water through leaks.

Peter Varélidis and Evthymios Lekkas called for immediate, permanent measures: modernising distribution networks, reducing losses, expanding underground reservoirs where feasible, and building new reservoirs to boost storage capacity. Desalination was recognised as a costly, energy‑intensive emergency option, especially for isolated islands, while the risk of salt‑water intrusion into aquifers was highlighted. Both officials stressed the need to plan for dry years rather than relying on favourable hydrological conditions.

Key quotations included Varélidis’ warning, “We cannot rely on good years,” and Lekkas’ remark, “Unchecked development will revert to boomerang.”