Water scarcity in Greece Water scarcity in Greece | Page 29
The main constraints and problem issues are the following:
Strong dependence on irrigation. Even with the best management techniques and strategies, agriculture will remain the major
user of water in the country, due to the hot and dry climate.
Pronounced seasonality of demand, which makes the provision of water services harder, as it is not always possible to ensure
adequate supply.
The demand that is due to tourism peaks in the summer when a major influx of tourists is observed.
The demand for agriculture peaks in the dry hot season, the same time as the domestic demand peaks due to tourism.
Uneven distribution of resources. Both precipitation and surface water resources are concentrated in the western and northern
parts of the country which are self-sufficient, while the eastern and southern parts of the country face water shortages.
Uneven distribution of population. Overall, the population is concentr ated in the eastern coastal areas which tend to be under
stress. Furthermore, the concentration of almost half the Greek population in Athens, in the poorest water region of the country, and the
seasonal influx of visitors to the Greek islands, exacerbate the water shortage problems.
Overexploitation and salinization of aquifers, a common problem in the areas dependent on groundwater and particularly
in coastal areas.
Water quality deterioration due to human activities.
Focus on short-term developmental policies rather on the actual water resource management.
Lack of inter-ministerial coordination and overlaps in areas of authority. Instead of an organized, coordinated approach to
water resources management, measures taken are only partial and generally ineffective.
Absence of master plans or national guidelines for comprehensive planning and management in the past, despite recent
efforts for responding to that problem.