Greece Ranks 19th Globally in Water Scarcity Risk, Reports Reveal

 Greece faces a growing water scarcity crisis, ranking 19th worldwide for water shortage risk, according to a World Resources Institute study and a Deloitte report commissioned by the Greek government.

The findings, unveiled by the Athens-Macedonian News Agency, highlight severe challenges driven by tourism, agriculture, and aging infrastructure.

The Deloitte report details a 139% surge in water withdrawals for domestic use from 2001 to 2022, fueled by increased tourism and per capita consumption. Losses from distribution networks, averaging 50%, worsen the issue, particularly in high-tourism areas like the Cyclades, where summer demand strains limited resources and infrastructure.

Greece also leads the EU in water use per hectare of irrigated land, far exceeding comparable Mediterranean nations. Despite fewer agricultural operations, irrigation demands remain high due to rising temperatures, water-intensive crops, and losses from outdated networks. Agricultural support policies may further increase irrigated land, raising consumption.

Surface water availability is declining, with a 40% drop in use from 2000 to 2022, per ELSTAT data. Meanwhile, groundwater extraction has soared by 80%, pressuring aquifers and causing salinization. Despite recent rainfall, water reserves in PPC’s hydroelectric dams are at historic lows, threatening both water supply and electricity costs.

The report underscores the urgent need for improved water management to address these escalating risks according to Athens-Macedonian News Agency, Deloitte, ELSTAT

Source: pagenews.gr