With the effects of climate change intensifying and the demand for drinking water increasing dramatically during the summer months, more and more municipalities in the country are being forced to resort to emergency measures to meet their water needs. Indicative examples are Sami in Kefalonia and Kassandra in Halkidiki, where the municipal authorities proceeded to assign water transportation to private individuals, recognizing the difficulty of managing local reserves.
Sami: Emergency aid via tankers from Koutavos
The Inter-Municipal Water Supply and Sewerage Enterprise of Kefalonia Municipalities (DIAD.EYADK..) recently approved the direct award of the water transportation service to a private company, for an amount of 37,140 euros. This decision concerns the coverage of the increased needs of the Municipal Unit of Sami, an area that is completely dependent on two boreholes, Pano and Kato Megali Volta, for its water supply. The water transportation system through central and individual tanks covers all the settlements in the area, with the exception of Pyrgi and Koulourata.
However, the annual drought periods combined with the extension of the tourist season have led to frequent shortages, making it necessary to transport additional quantities of drinking water. The supply will be carried out by tanker from Koutavos, Argostoli, the nearest available water source.
Kassandra: Increased demand, reduced reserves
The Municipality of Kassandra, in Halkidiki, has also moved in a similar direction, approving the provision of a drinking water distribution service through a private individual, with a total cost of 73,160 euros. According to the decisions of the municipal authority, the areas facing serious water supply problems are located in remote and vulnerable zones of the municipality, where demand is increasing sharply due to high temperatures and tourist pressure.
The lack of sufficient water reserves makes it impossible to meet the basic needs of residents and visitors, resulting in local authorities proceeding with urgent interventions to strengthen the water network through external sources.
The need for long-term planning is evident
A common denominator in both cases is the need to immediately meet water needs through temporary solutions. However, the increasing pressure on natural resources brings back to the fore the need for long-term planning in water management, especially in island and tourist-heavy areas. The stakes are now not only to meet today’s needs, but to ensure sustainability for tomorrow.
