**Greek Islands Face Drought as Tourist Season Hits**
As the summer tourist season begins, seven Greek islands in the Aegean Sea have declared drought emergencies, highlighting the growing water scarcity exacerbated by climate change. The islands are grappling with hotter summers and increasingly erratic rainfall, raising concerns about the sustainability of water supplies for both residents and the influx of tourists.
Among the affected islands is Astypalaia, a butterfly-shaped landmass located in the southeastern Aegean. This island, which relies heavily on bottled water for drinking, has not benefited from the wetter conditions experienced in northern and western Greece. Instead, it has recorded its second driest season since 2020, according to local authorities. Mayor Nikos Komineas noted the severity of the situation, stating, “If we collected all the water dropped throughout the year in a bucket or in a washbowl, it would be 2.5 centimeters deep.” The island's sole water reservoir, constructed in the mid-1990s, is currently surrounded by dry hills and contains only about 150,000 cubic meters of water—just one-sixth of its total capacity.
The situation has forced local authorities to take drastic measures. In April, they cut off water supply from the reservoir to farmers, compelling them to rely on brackish water from wells. Evdokia Palatianou, a local farmer, expressed her frustration, stating, “Unless it rains, I won’t plant anything.” The reservoir, which serves both household needs and irrigation for the main tourist town of Chora, is expected to last only five and a half months at the current daily consumption rate of 900 cubic meters.
To address the pressing water shortage, authorities declared a water emergency in May, expediting the construction of a temporary desalination plant with a daily output of 600 cubic meters for Chora. The decision to restrict irrigation for farmers was made to conserve the reservoir's water until the autumn months. Mayor Komineas acknowledged the difficulty of this decision but emphasized the necessity of safeguarding the island's water resources.
The impact of the drought is evident across the island, particularly in the seaside village of Analipsi, where sheep and goat farmers are struggling to find adequate water supplies. The existing desalination plant has been unable to meet the demands of a population that swells from 1,400 to approximately 7,000 during the peak summer months. In response, a second temporary facility is being established in Chora, with plans for a permanent solution by the end of the year.
In light of the ongoing water crisis, some hoteliers on Astypalaia are implementing water-saving measures. Maria Alkalai, who operates a hotel in Chora, has introduced a 5-euro voucher incentive for guests who opt out of daily cleaning services. She noted that clients have embraced this initiative, and she envisions future developments that incorporate rainwater cisterns instead of traditional pools or jacuzzis.
The Greek government is also taking steps to address the water scarcity issue. Environment Minister Stavros Papastavrou has approved a budget of 15 million euros (approximately $17 million) for desalination projects, grid upgrades, and water tanks across nine inhabited islands, including 1.5 million euros earmarked specifically for Astypalaia. During a recent meeting with other environment ministers in Luxembourg, Papastavrou emphasized the critical nature of water security for Greece, linking it to economic growth and the protection of local communities.
Experts warn that the situation may worsen in the coming years. The Athens-based National Centre for Scientific Research “Demokritos” predicts that drought conditions could intensify by 2049 as global temperatures continue to rise, further straining water resources on these vulnerable islands.
As the summer progresses, the balance between catering to the needs of tourists and ensuring sufficient water supplies for local residents remains a pressing challenge for the Greek islands. With climate change impacting weather patterns and water availability, authorities are left to ponder whether the rains will return in time to alleviate the strain on their precious resources.