Greece faces water scarcity crisis
As Greece faces increasing threats from water scarcity, a high-level inter-ministerial meeting led by Vice President Kostis Hatzidakis convened today at the Bodossaki Mansion to address the crisis and outline a national response plan.
Greece now ranks 19th globally in water scarcity risk, with water demand for supply services more than doubling over the past decade—largely due to booming tourism and surging summer consumption. The rising temperatures and strain on infrastructure have made cooling and irrigation concerns more urgent.
The meeting gathered key ministers including Akis Skertsos, Vassilis Kikilias, and others, alongside officials from EYDAP and PPC, to build a comprehensive water management strategy. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is expected to present the finalized plan in the coming weeks.
Among the challenges addressed:
Over 50% loss in existing water distribution networks
80% of water resources used for agricultural irrigation
A troubling 80% increase in groundwater drilling over two decades
40% drop in surface water usage, straining aquifers
Declining water levels at hydroelectric dams, potentially affecting energy costs
Officials are now evaluating immediate infrastructure priorities such as new dams, network modernization, and regional water management updates. The plan aims not just to address shortages but to build long-term resilience in both urban and rural areas.
With tourism set to rise again this summer, and global climate pressures mounting, Greece is racing against time to prevent a future of dry taps and costly water imports.
