Greek islands grapple with severe water shortages as July tourism peaks

July marks the height of the tourist season for Greece’s islands, but many are confronting acute water scarcity. The state has declared emergency status for several islands—including Tinos, Alonnisos, Megisti and Patmos—to speed up water‑supply and desalination projects. Officials cite climate‑driven drought, a long‑term decline in rainfall, depleted aquifers and ageing infrastructure, compounded by the surge in visitor numbers, as the root causes.

Authorities stress the need for new reservoirs, upgraded distribution networks, reduced leakages and a culture of water conservation to avert a permanent shortfall. The situation is viewed as a growing regional challenge for the Eastern Mediterranean under climate change, with local municipalities urging faster action as thousands of tourists arrive.