Greece Declares Water Emergency in Attica, Leros, and Patmos Amid Intensifying Crisis

Emergency Declared in Key Regions

Greece has officially placed the regions of Attica, Leros, and Patmos under a state of emergency, responding to an escalating water crisis across the country. The declaration, signed by Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou, aims to accelerate critical infrastructure projects and address rapidly diminishing water reserves. Meganisi in Lefkada is also anticipated to follow suit.

The decision follows urgent requests from the Athens Water Supply and Sewerage Company (EYDAP) and recommendations from the Regulatory Authority for Waste, Energy and Water (RAAEY). While no immediate restrictions on consumer consumption have been announced, the emergency status allows authorities to bypass bureaucratic processes for the swift implementation of projects.

Dwindling Reserves and Climate Impact

The crisis is largely attributed to a combination of unstable climate patterns and systemic inefficiencies. Scientific data presented to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis highlights the Mediterranean region's increasing vulnerability to climate change. Greece has experienced a significant reduction in annual rainfall, approximately 25 percent over the past three years, coupled with a 15 percent rise in evaporation and a 6 percent increase in consumption.

Water levels in Greek dams are at historic lows. The Mornos reservoir, a primary water source for Athens, held just 160.6 million cubic meters on November 26, 2025, marking a 40 percent decrease from the previous year and a 15-year low. Across EYDAP's four main reservoirs (Evinos, Mornos, Yliki, Marathon), total reserves have fallen by nearly 37 percent compared to last year.

Further exacerbating the problem are substantial water losses, with estimates ranging from 35.6 percent to 50 percent of drinking water lost due to leaky pipes and theft. Over 80 percent of water consumption in Greece is attributed to irrigation, adding further strain to resources.

Government's Multi-pronged Response

In response, the Greek government has launched a comprehensive National Water Strategy, with both short-term and long-term objectives. Key initiatives include:

• Investment Plan: A substantial €5.9 billion investment plan, encompassing 2,127 projects, has been unveiled to modernize water infrastructure and enhance supply.
• 'Evrytos' Project: A €500 million project is underway to divert water from the Evinos river, and potentially the Karpenisiotis and Krikeliotis rivers, into the Evinos reservoir. This aims to provide Attica with an additional 220 million cubic meters annually, with infrastructure expected to be operational by 2029.
• Desalination Plants: Plans are advancing for the installation of three desalination plants in Thisvi, Nea Peramos, and Lavrion, projected to supply 87.5 million cubic meters of water annually.
• Infrastructure Upgrades: Significant funds, including €80 million, are allocated for urgent repairs to water networks and the installation of digital meters to combat water losses.
• Groundwater Expansion: Newly activated wells are expected to contribute approximately 45 million cubic meters of water annually.
• Sector Reform: The government intends to merge over 700 small municipal water companies into three larger, more efficient entities to streamline management.

Environment and Energy Minister Papastavrou emphasized that 'There is no more room to postpone difficult decisions,' highlighting the urgency of the situation. The government's actions aim to build resilience against the escalating impacts of climate change and ensure long-term water security for Greece.