At a time when the climate crisis is putting increasing pressure on water resources, three Greek islands — Karpathos, Lipsi, and Sifnos — are forging different yet meaningful paths toward sustainable water management. Through visionary projects and innovative solutions, they aim to ensure both the availability and quality of this vital resource.
- Local mayors and officials spoke to Tornos News, outlining their interventions and strategies.
Karpathos: Multi-million-Euro Projects for Water Autonomy
The Municipality of Karpathos is actively implementing major infrastructure projects to enhance the island’s water supply. According to statements made to Tornos News, the replacement of internal water supply networks is already underway in 13 areas — including Pigadia, Arkasa, Volada, Pyles, Mesochori, and Menetes — with a total budget of €7.5 million.
Simultaneously, a tender is ongoing for the leasing of desalination units for Pigadia and Aperi, while a technical proposal has already been submitted for the purchase and installation of permanent desalination units worth approximately €3 million. Notably, in 2023, processed water was produced for the first time from desalination units — a milestone for the island. A study for permanent installations across all of Karpathos is also in progress.
Lipsi: A Pioneer in Island Water Management
In Lipsi, the local government emphasizes sustainability, technology, and community engagement. “We say ‘no’ to building swimming pools for environmental protection reasons,” Mayor Fotis Maggos told Tornos News.
The municipality recently completed its largest project in a decade: the procurement and installation of a remote-control monitoring system for the water supply network, with a total budget of €1.7 million, funded by the “Antonis Tritsis” program. The project includes digital water meters, automation in tanks and boreholes, and chlorination measurement and production systems.
The result? A double-digit reduction in consumption and water waste, high-quality drinking water, and significant cost savings. The water network was also extended by 13 kilometers, further securing the island’s water adequacy.
Sifnos: Modern Network, Strict Monitoring, and Future Investments
Sifnos combines infrastructure renewal with strict oversight of water use. The municipality enforces water use guidelines and, when necessary, activates enforcement measures in line with its Water Supply Regulation.
The replacement of old water networks is progressing steadily. By the end of August 2025, the installation of 4,200 digital water meters will be complete, enhancing the detection of leaks, damage, and illegal water withdrawals. A new desalination unit is also being added, while new transport networks ensure that all water produced reaches storage tanks and consumers efficiently.
Water as a National Challenge for the Islands
The efforts in Karpathos, Lipsi, and Sifnos demonstrate that water management on Greek islands is not merely a matter of infrastructure, but also of strategic vision, environmental responsibility, and technological innovation. With proper planning, vision, and execution, island municipalities are turning challenges into opportunities — and water into a key driver for sustainable development.
