Attica Faces Water Crisis: €2.5 Billion “Mammoth Program” by EYDAP to Secure Supplies

Attica is confronting its most severe water crisis in three decades, with reservoir levels dropping to critical thresholds and drought risks dominating public debate. In response, EYDAP unveiled an ambitious €2.5 billion investment program to strengthen the region’s resilience against water scarcity.

What the “Mammoth Program” Includes

The decade-long plan is structured around two main axes:

Upgrading water supply infrastructure:

• Modernization of key water treatment plants serving the Athens metropolitan area.
• Replacement of approximately 660 km of aging pipelines, which currently account for substantial water loss.
• Installation of about 2 million “smart” meters for real-time leak detection and improved distribution management.

Enhancing wastewater treatment and circular water reuse:

• Investments totaling around €900 million aim to enable safe recycling of treated water for industrial use and irrigation.
• Connection of 75,000 properties to wastewater networks and construction of three new treatment centers to cover unmet demand.

The ultimate goal is minimizing water losses and safeguarding reservoir levels, leveraging water reuse wherever feasible.

Tariff Adjustments Approved from January 1

To fund the program, EYDAP submitted new tariff proposals, recently approved by the Water Regulatory Authority. Despite the increases, prices remain among the lowest in Greece and Europe.

Key changes include:

•  Zero fixed charges for vulnerable groups (social tariff beneficiaries, large families, elderly citizens).
•  Small increase in monthly water service fee (€1) and introduction of a €1 monthly sewage fee (plus VAT) to support the infrastructure investments.

Government sources emphasize that the approach has a strong social component, aiming to protect the most vulnerable without overly burdening other households.

Causes of the Water Crisis

Athens relies heavily on two main reservoirs — Mornos and Yliki — which have lost over 40% of their capacity in recent years due to reduced rainfall and snowpack in mountainous regions, compounded by climate change effects.

Experts warn that serious and sustained interventions are required, as simple water-saving measures (like irrigation limits) are no longer sufficient to maintain a stable supply.

Impact on Daily Life

Attica cannot afford complacency. The government and EYDAP are investing in robust infrastructure and technology, focusing on system resilience.

 Tariff adjustments are necessary to fund these measures while protecting vulnerable populations.

In the long term, new infrastructure could reduce service disruptions and improve quality of life in a region facing chronic environmental pressures.

Attica’s water crisis is being addressed through a €2.5 billion large-scale EYDAP program including infrastructure upgrades, smart water management, and tariff adjustments, aiming to build long-term resilience against environmental challenges.