Greece faces worsening water crisis as reserves near critical levels

Greece is experiencing a deepening water crisis, with both surface and underground reserves dropping sharply due to overuse, outdated infrastructure, and prolonged drought, local media reported Friday.

A major survey cited by Greek daily To Vima has revealed severe declines in the country’s water reserves, both above and below ground, raising concerns over water security. The findings, based on data from the Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration (EAGME), show that strategic underground aquifers are nearing critical depletion.

The crisis is exacerbated by excessive water extraction for agriculture and tourism, ageing infrastructure, and the lack of a national water strategy. Touristic regions such as the Aegean islands, Moudania, and Kassandra in the Chalkidiki Peninsula are facing growing shortages of potable water.

Prolonged drought conditions—particularly in southern and eastern areas such as Crete, the Peloponnese, and several Cycladic islands—have further reduced rainfall and snowfall, intensifying the situation.

Experts warn that without urgent action, including infrastructure upgrades and a coordinated national response, the country’s ability to manage its water resources will continue to deteriorate.

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