Water scarcity is the lack of sufficient available water resources to meet demands. It occurs when water withdrawals exceed sustainable supply, creating competition among users. Water scarcity has been defined as availability below 1,000 cubic meters per person annually, though many regions experience much less. It can be caused by physical water shortage or poor water management. Greece faces water scarcity issues due to uneven distribution of resources, population concentration, overexploitation of aquifers, and lack of coordinated management practices. Proposed solutions include desalination, wastewater reuse, dams, renewable energy powered purification, and improved irrigation.

2. Water scarcity is the lack of sufficient
available water resources to meet the
demands of water usage within a region.
Water
scarcity
involves wate
r
stress, water
shortage or
deficits,
and water
crisis
Water scarcity OCCURS WHEN the amount of water withdrawn from lakes, rivers
or groundwater is so great that water supplies are no longer adequate to satisfy all
human or ecosystem requirements, bringing about increased competition among
potential demands.
Water scarcity has also
been defined as a situation
where water availability in
a country or in a region is
BELOW 1000 m3 /person
/year. However, many
regions in the world
experience much more
severe scarcity, living with
LESS THAN 500 m3 per
person per year.

3. Water scarcity: The next world war will be about water

4. Pinios river
Water scarcity is among the
main problems to be faced by
many societies of the 21st
century. Water use has
increased surpassing AT
TWICE the population growth
rate in the last century.

5. Water scarcity can be a result of two mechanisms: physical (absolute) water
scarcity and economic water scarcity, where physical water scarcity is a result of
inadequate natural water resources to supply a region's demand, and economic water
scarcity is a result of poor management of the sufficient available water resources.
The water level drops gradually
Lake Kerkini
Serres,
Macedonia

6. Ground Water
Many aquifers have been formed primarily in the sedimentary
materials and the estimated amount of stored ground water is
10,300 hm3/year.
Surface Water
There are 765 recorded streams, 45 of which are perennial. Four
rivers flow from the northern countries into Greece, and one river
crosses the border into Albania. There are many seasonal springs
that feed into small streams. There are more than fifty lakes in
Greece, three of which are trans-boundary.
Water storage features
Dams of differing capacities have been constructed for domestic
supply and irrigation purposes and the production of
hydroelectric power. There are also several small water
reservoirs that are used mainly for irrigation.

7. Huge water scarcity problem the next fifty years
gazette
Intense and prolonged water shortages will face over the next 50 years, Greece with tragic social
and economic consequences. Scientists are sounding the alarm bells about climate change and
point out that our country must be consistent with its obligations to the international community for
limiting pollution it produces. The first problems, moreover, are already being felt throughout the
Mediterranean.
The president of the National Observatory of Athens and professor of the University of Athens.
Christos Zerefos, the Associate Professor at NTUA, John Ziomas and Rep. Ibrahim, responsible
for the campaign of the environmental organization Greenpeace on Climate Change, spoke
yesterday at the Environment Committee House.
"The most important consequence is the disruption of water balance, evolution observed in
Greece with dramatic way," he explained. "The descent of the aquifer is noticeable even in areas
of the country where there is no over-pumping." The second noticeable change is the change of
behavior of weather systems. "We accept the same rain in a much shorter time," he said, leading
to increased flooding. "Over the past 30 years rainfall in the Mediterranean have fallen by 20%.
This reduction will continue over the next fifty years, when the water shortage problem would be
huge for Greece, "he concluded.

8. The majority of the
countries of the
Mediterranean
region are
characterized by a
strong seasonal
distribution of
precipitation, which
may be one of the
main reasons for
the water scarcity
problems that they
are facing.
The likely effects of climate change on the water
resources of the eastern Mediterranean and Middle
East region have been investigated using a high-
resolution regional climate model (PRECIS) by
comparing precipitation simulations of 2040–2069 and
2070–2099 with 1961–1990 (29). The projected change
in internal water resources is assumed to be the same
as the projected change in precipitation. Greece is
expected to have an 18% precipitation decrease by
midcentury, and 22% by the end of the century. With
modest population decline expected, Greece’s per capita
water resources are expected to decline somewhat by
midcentury but still remain high compared to the
majority of surrounding countries. Thus, climate
change is likely to necessitate modest changes to
Greece’s water resources management.

9. In Greece, the main problem is the
lack of management practices and
consumption, due to the lack of wise
use.
River Nestos
Doirani Lake

11. North of Lemnos, in Gomati, on the slopes of the village
Katalakko, the spectacle is absolutely unexpected: A
small…desert.

12. Water Scarcity
desertification
the nightmare is here
Ante portas
drought

13. Vulnerabilities of Greece
Magnesia,
Almyros
Lake

14. Although Greece has one of the greatest water resources potentials per capita in the
Mediterranean area, and should theoretically have ample water for its population and
traditional water uses, water is not evenly distributed in space and time. The maximum
precipitation is recorded in the western parts, where the available water resources are
consequently plentiful, while in other regions of the country precipitation is much lower
and available water resources are insufficient to meet the demand. Due to this
inequality in water distribution, both in space and in time, some areas of Greece such as
Attica and the Aegean Islands are facing long-term water shortage problems.

15. Given the water scarcity observed in parts of the
country, conflicts are unavoidable:
 In urban centers, where the main area for
conflict is the transfer of water from other, richer in
water resources regions, or the exploitation of water
resources that would be used for irrigation. Cases of
water deficient urban centers are the Metropolitan
Athens area and Thessaloniki (or Thessalonica).

16. The Mornos dam was completed in 1979 to meet
the water needs of Attica and after the
construction of an artificial lake. The waters sank
Christmas 1980 Kallio village first appeared in
1989 because of drought. Since then it has
revealed three more times. A few days ago it came
back to the surface to take a breath before ... sank
again to its wet prison.
A total of forty houses of the old
settlement Kallio brought up
because of drought and last year,
lean in winter rains. Covered with
seaweed and mussels, they look like
they have come out of the fairy tale
or a book pages with Celtic legends,
fairies and sea monsters.

17.  In agricultural areas, where conflict arises due to the excessive usage for irrigation
purposes of water that could be used for domestic supply, tourist activities, and for
maintaining the ecological characteristics of the surface and ground water of the area.
The agricultural activities and practices in Greece have neither been “modernized” nor
adapted to current requirements and standards. One consequence is the vast amounts
of water used for irrigation (irrigation uses almost 85%, while domestic uses are 13%
and industrial uses are 2%), that could be drastically reduced through the introduction
of more efficient irrigation networks and better selection of crops to suit the climate.
The water levels of Lake Plastiras recede dramatically

18.  In areas dependent on tourism, and particularly in the Aegean islands, conflicts are very
intense. During the summer months, water demand reaches its peak both for irrigation and
domestic supply; in some islands the summer peak can reach up to thirty times the domestic
needs of the permanent population. As the domestic supply takes priority over the use for
irrigation, conflicts invariably arise between the municipal water suppliers and the local
farmers.
Water resources in the Greek islands are very limited, and with few exceptions consist of
groundwater contained in the local aquifers. The amount of water that can be abstracted is
limited, as overabstraction of those aquifers leads to salinization of the water rendering it mostly
unusable.
The soils in the islands are extremely vulnerable to erosion, with resulting problems in the
water resources (reservoir sedimentation, stream bed stability etc.).

19. annual rainfall and temperatures

20. in particular
Attica Cyclades islands
Thessal
y

21. Each one of these three regions
suffers water deficits for a different
reason, which makes them good
candidates for reference:
1. Attica, the area of Attica, that hosts over
half of the country’s population in the Capital city
and the surrounding areas, suffers water deficits
because of the permanent population size, which
is too big for the available local water resources to
cover. Water for the supply of the capital city
originates mostly in other Water Regions, as the
underground aquifers of Attica – not adequate
since ancient times – are overall polluted and
eutrophic. The water deficit in this case is
permanent and caused by increased domestic
demand.

22. 2.
The Thessaly plains
are intensively
cultivated, requiring
large amounts of
irrigation water.
Therefore large amounts
of water are used for
irrigation in Thessaly
that could be drastically
reduced by the
introduction of more
efficient irrigation
networks and a more
organized approach to
the selection of crops.
The water deficit in this
case is seasonal, and
caused by demand for
irrigation.
The farmers use to irrigate the ground water,
thus depleting stocks.
In Thessaly the irrigation
conducted by boreholes that reach
300 meters deep and destroy the
aquifer, costing both the
environment and their holders

23. LAKE KORONIA 09/15/2013 COMPLETELY DRY
Water scarcity killed hundreds of fish

24. 3. The Cyclades islands in the summer months attract large numbers
of tourists, which steeply increase the water demand to the point that it
cannot be covered by the existing infrastructure and water resources.
During the summer months, water demand reaches its peak both for
irrigation, and for domestic supply; in some islands the summer peak
may reach up to thirty times the permanent population, while water
resources are very limited. The water deficit in this case is seasonal,
and caused by an influx of tourist population, while there are severe
conflicts with use of water for irrigation purposes.

25. The "nightmare" of water shortage on the Aegean islands
At least 10 islands depend another year by boat - water lorries to make the summer.
Despite record-rainfall recorded this year in our country, at least 10 Aegean islands depend for another year
by boat - water lorries to make the summer. The stories are almost the same.
Desalination purchased but do not work because they have made the necessary supporting projects, others
having maintenance problems and remain inactive, reservoirs with failures. Somewhat so, water, although
commodity remains again sought mainly for small islands inhabitants.
Estimated needs of the islands this year:
-Donousa 8,600 cubic
-Patmos 48,500 cubic
-Agathonisi 7,800 cubic
-Symi 4,500 cubic
-Kastelorizo 22,600 cubic
-Kimolos 33,700 cubic
-Irakleia 13,000 cubic
-Amorgos 30,000 cubic
-Syros 19,000 cubic
-Leipsoi 29,800 cubic
Ethnos news 16/05/2015

26. Dozens of drought stricken Greek islands in the Aegean are
being forced to import greater amounts of water every year .
Faced with a water shortage crisis on its hands, the Greek
government is currently trying to tackle the problem by
importing millions of cubic metres of water to the islands of
Milos, Nisyros, Amorgos, Koufonisia, Shinoussa, Folegandros,
Tinos, Sikinos, Thirasis, Donoussa, Patmos, Symi, Halki and
Palionissos .
According to local
governors, the problem
is not just that there is
not enough rainfall to
fill up the dams and
rivers for irrigation but
that the area also
suffers from a 70%
reduction in the
replenishment of the
aquifer, and this has
had a catastrophic effect
on agriculture.
Crete is in danger

27. Water shortage and in Achaia
The sea has entered the aquifer
County Achaia will be added to the list of areas threatened by water
scarcity this year, as all wells used for irrigation have brackish
water because of the entry of the sea in the underground aquifer.
Moreover, farmers are forced to carry water from the highlands and
the pumping is at a depth of 300 meters.

28. Lake Carla
Especially in our
country, chronic is the
aqueous "wounds" that
remain open and must
be urgently addressed:
the Asopos, Acheloos,
Aoos, Aliakmonas,
Nestos, Evros, Pinios,
Prespes, the Koronia,
the Vistonida the Nestos
delta and Axios, small
wetlands, the salination
of groundwater bodies,
the lack of drinking
water in the islands.

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 concentrated 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.

30. The geothermal heat machines that produce
electricity, but also any renewable source is
in abundance in our country, could be a
solution to water scarcity.
This pointed to speaking in SKAI, the
professor of mechanical engineering at the
TEI of Halkida Michalis Vrochopoulos.
Mr. Michalis Vrochopoulos added that
desalination of water by using waste heat
recovery from power plants is a method
especially widespread in Iceland and Italy.
Scientific methods for water scarcity
New scientific methods, can provide solutions to the problem of water scarcity

31. Solutions to water scarcity
Desalination unit operating in Milos, and use of water by biological purification in
Thessaloniki
The desalination plant with wind in Milos
Solution to water scarcity for 33,000 acres of arable EYATH

32. Dams
against
water scarcity
With the construction of small and large dams in Greece, water scarcity will be
confronted and climate change, said in a statement the Technical Chamber of Greece.
The Chamber notes that the construction of new dams will increase the power rate
from hydroelectric projects and is proper management of water resources.
Also, dams effectively contribute to the damping of floods as has happened in the river
Acheloos.

33. In practice
And
Special Secretariat for Water of the Hellenic Ministry of the Environment, Energy and Climate
Change and NAMA S.A.
presents
Drought & Water Scarcity Management in E. Sterea Ellada

34. LIFE+ PURE
The PURE project is a proof program aimed at upgrading treated wastewater to an alternative water
source to semi dried areas. Funded at 50% by the European Commission under the LIFE + Environment
Policy and Governance, and 50% from the own resources of participating partners. The implementation
of the program area is located in the Municipality of Hersonissos, in the northeastern part of the
prefecture of Heraklion, Crete. In Life Pure involved four agencies specialized in different objects .The
bodies should cooperate closely to achieve the program within the required timeframes. Meanwhile,
experts freelancers will be invited to offer their knowledge and experience in their specialty.
The partners of Pure Life are:
1) Municipal Enterprise for Water and Sewage Peninsula(Project Manager)
2) TEI Crete: School of Agricultural Technology
3) Mediterranean SOS Network
4) Cyprus University of Technology

35. Water bridges
We unite our voices for water scarcity
ONE DROP™ IS AN INTERNATIONAL NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION CREATED BY CIRQUE DU SOLEIL FOUNDER
GUY LALIBERTÉ IN 2007. AT THE CORE OF OUR MISSION IS
WATER AS A TRANSFORMATIVE FORCE TO IMPROVE LIVING
CONDITIONS, AS WELL AS GIVE COMMUNITIES THE ABILITY TO
CARE FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILIES. SUSTAINABLY.

36. The Gift of Rain. Educational material for
ESD. MIO-ECSDE & GWP-MED, 2014 (3rd
edition)
The educational material “The gift of rain”
(produced in the Greek language) aims to
raise awareness and educate students of
late middle and secondary level (10-16
years old) towards the sustainable
management of water. More specifically
the material aims to cultivate in students
the necessary skills to address the old,
partly abandoned practices of rainwater
collection, that have been traditionally
applied in the Cyclades islands over the
centuries, as well as the modern
techniques that can be applied today in
homes, hotels, etc. in order to collect,
economise, or recycle water (through grey
water reuse). Overall the material aims for
students to acquire a positive attitude
towards wise water use in their daily lives.

37. Not even a drop lost
ΜΕΣΟΓΕΙΟΣ SOS
ΣΚΑΙ
ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ
Εθνικό Μετσόβιο Πολυτεχνείο
Γεωπονικό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών
Members The "Voluntary Commitment", which asked to sign, includes 12 practices that help
save water.
Farmers The "Voluntary Commitment" includes, practices such as avoiding water consuming
crop plants, drip irrigation, avoid watering at midday, the reuse of water for irrigation.
Citizens "Voluntary Commitment" includes 12 tips for saving water in everyday life in
order to change our habits so as not to waste water.
MEDITERRANEAN SOS Agricultural University of Athens
KATHIMERINI NEWS
National Technical University of Athens

38. «WATERSAVE: ένα ολοκληρωμένο εκπαιδευτικό πρόγραμμα για μαθητές σχολείων»
The "Water conservation: a comprehensive educational
program for schoolchildren."
It is an initiative of the Network MEDITERRANEAN SOS
Το Πρόγραμμα ενημέρωσης και ευαισθητοποίησης για την εξοικονόμηση νερού υλοποιείται με την ευγενική υποστήριξη του:

39. References
http://medsos.gr/medsos/2008-08-12-07-11-15/2010-11-16-14-29-32/2010-11-
16-14-32-56/620-2009-07-31-11-47-13.html
http://www.tovima.gr/society/article/?aid=249980
http://www.ethnos.gr/article.asp?catid=22768&subid=2&pubid=1370554
http://environ.chemeng.ntua.gr/wsm/Newsletters/Issue2/CircumstancesInGreece.htm
http://www.seven-solutions.eu/projects/drought-water-scarcity-management-plan-for-the-river-basin-district-of-
eastern-sterea-ellada-gr07-greece/
http://www.watersave.gr/files/PDF/10ekp.pdf
http://ydrokritis.blogspot.gr/2014/08/blog-post.htm
WWF ΕΛΛΑΣ, www.wwf.gr
www.greenpeace.org/greece
www.eydap.grwww.ecocrete.gr
www.oneearth.gr
www.plefsis.gr/nero.htm
ΟΗΕ, www.un.org

40. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Koutsoyiannis, D., Zarkadoulas, N., Angelakis, A. N. and Tchobanoglous, G., (2008) Urban
water management in Ancient Greece: Legacies and lessons, Journal of Water Resources
Planning and Management-ASCE,134:1,pp.45–54,
Karamos, A., Aggelides, S. and Londra, P. (2004) Non-conventional water use in Greece,
Cairo, Egypt: Centre International de Hautes Études Agronomiques Méditérannéenne
Mimikou, M. A. (2005) Water Resources in Greece: Present and Future, Global NEST
Journal, 7:3, pp. 313-322
Sofios, S., Arabatzis, G. and Baltas, E. (2007) Policy for management of water resources
in Greece, The environmentalist,28(3),pp.185-194
Kitsantonis, N. (2007) Greece struggles with water shortage. New York Times.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/03/world/europe/03iht-dry.4.6976449.html
Our presentation is also hosted at :
Emaze: https://www.emaze.com/@AICLTCCQ/water-scarcity-spain-2015
Joomag: http://www.joomag.com/en/newsstand/water-scarcity-in-greece-
water-scarcity-in-greece/0082226001445282729