Athens, Patmos, Leros Face Water Crisis as Greece declares Emergency, Tourism’s Future Hangs in the Balance: All You Need to Know

The sound of summer waves in the Aegean Sea feels distant now. The Greek Environment Ministry declared a state of water emergency. This critical measure impacts the greater Athens area and the popular islands of Patmos and Leros. The announcement came late on Friday, November 28, 2025. It reflects a growing alarm over the country’s deepening chronic drought.

A Thirsty Land: The Severity of the Drought

Scientific studies show that Greece faces a drought crisis. It is comparable to the severe shortage seen between 1988 and 1994. The situation is dire in the capital. Athens’ water reserves have fallen drastically. They have dropped by approximately 250 million cubic meters per year since 2022.

The Athens water supply company (EYDAP) released sobering data. Annual rainfall has decreased by about 25% over the last three years. Evaporation has also risen by 15%. Simultaneously, water consumption is up around 6%. Much of this increase is tied to the massive influx of tourists.

Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou highlighted the immediate problem. Reserves for greater Athens stand at only 400 million cubic meters. Annual consumption is a massive 250 million cubic meters. The gap is narrowing fast.

Tourism Under Pressure: A Minister’s Urgent Warning

The crisis poses a direct threat to Greek tourism. Tourism is a pillar of the nation’s economy. The emergency order is not consumer rationing yet. Its main goal is to fast-track critical infrastructure projects. This allows the state to bypass slow bureaucratic steps.

Minister Papastavrou issued a strong warning. He said that “There is no more room to postpone difficult decisions.” He specifically mentioned tourist areas. In regions where tourism drives consumption sky-high, “greater attention and planning are needed,” he stated. Officials must avoid situations that “cannot be dealt with” during the peak summer season. A tourism slowdown would be devastating for the islands. Meganisi in Lefkada is also likely to be added to the emergency list soon.

Immediate Action to Save the Summer

Water officials are moving quickly. Short-term measures are being activated by EYDAP.

• Groundwater Activation: New wells will be prepared. These will contribute an additional 45 million cubic meters of groundwater annually.
• Desalination Speed-Up: Technical reviews for desalination plants are being fast-tracked. This is vital for the islands like Patmos and Leros.
• Infrastructure Repair: Urgent improvements are planned for the Thiva canal. This will reduce significant water loss from network leaks.

The €2.5 Billion Lifeline: Projects for Resilience

The emergency status bridges the gap to a long-term solution. The government announced a €2.5 billion National Investment Plan. This is for water infrastructure projects over the next decade.

The flagship project is the Eurytus Project for Athens. This €500 million investment secures the region’s water for 30 years.

• Core Plan: It involves the partial diversion of two River Achelous tributaries. Water from the Karpenisiotis and Krikeliotis rivers will feed the Evinos reservoir.
• Timeline: The massive Achelous diversion project is scheduled for completion by 2029.

For the Aegean islands, a separate, crucial effort is underway. More than 150 projects worth over €320 million are in progress. These focus heavily on new desalination units. Such units are essential for a reliable supply during the busy tourist season.

The long-term plans confirm a national shift. Greece must move toward climate resilience. They aim to safeguard the nation’s future.

The declaration is a stark reminder. Our planet is changing. The ancient shores of Athens, Patmos, and Leros depend on water. The joy tourists find in Greece must not dry up the land. The government is fighting for every drop. This generation must succeed where others failed. Future summers must be saved for everyone. The survival of the islands’ soul depends on these vital efforts.

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