In a summer where water scarcity directly threatens the functionality of island communities and their tourism prospects, three more regions in Greece are moving forward with targeted measures to address water shortages—focusing both on crisis management and long-term planning.
Andros: Mobile Desalination Unit in Batsi to Cover Immediate Needs
Following a decision by the Municipal Council, the Municipality of Andros approved the temporary installation of a desalination unit in Batsi, near the port, to meet the urgent water supply needs in the area. This decision came after a sudden drop in the output of all existing boreholes, with the extracted volume falling below 860 cubic meters per day—insufficient to meet the August demand, estimated at 1,200–1,300 m³/day.
Andros has been under a state of emergency due to prolonged drought since late 2024. In this context, urgent measures were deemed necessary. The mobile desalination unit, with a capacity of 600 m³/day of drinking water, is expected to partially meet the increased needs. In a second phase, the Municipality also plans to drill three new boreholes to permanently strengthen the island’s water supply network.
Samothraki: Holistic Study on Drought and Flood Management
At the same time, the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy approved a grant of €37,076 to the Municipality of Samothraki, following a formal request, for the preparation of a study that will dynamically address both water shortage and excess water issues on the island.
In recent years, Samothraki has faced opposing but equally dangerous conditions: flooding on one hand, and drought and water shortages during peak tourist season on the other. The forthcoming study aims to address this range—identifying vulnerabilities in the island’s water supply and drainage systems, proposing adaptive solutions, and contributing to a broader strategy for safety, quality of life, and sustainable tourism development.
Erissos, Kefalonia: Water Distribution Contract Awarded Due to Increased Demand
In another move to tackle urgent water supply issues, the Intermunicipal Water and Sewerage Company of Kefalonia (ΔΙΑΔ.Ε.Υ.Α.Δ.Κ.) decided to award a water distribution contract for the area of Erissos in the Municipality of Sami, with a total budget of €29,920.
This decision comes in response to ongoing problems in the Municipal Unit of Erissos, especially during the summer months, when tourist demand for water spikes and the existing boreholes struggle to cope.
As explained by the company’s general director, Mr. Gerasimos Simotas, most of the area—excluding the settlements of Fiskardo and Assos—is supplied by two boreholes: the original Kournis borehole and a newer one. These feed into the Kothreas and Vryonata tanks, which supply dozens of settlements, such as Drapanitika, Vasilikades, Mesovounia, Konidarata, Markoulata, and others.
Meanwhile, in Fiskardo, two desalination units are in operation, independently providing drinking water for both household and agricultural use.
Despite these facilities, the Erissos area continues to face serious challenges. Prolonged drought periods, coupled with the extended tourist season and rising visitor numbers, have led to water stress. Often, the needs are not met even by the tanks or the boreholes, especially during breakdowns or overconsumption.
Therefore, it has become absolutely necessary to transport water by tanker from Koutavos in Argostoli—the nearest point with a water surplus—in order to ensure adequate supply in critical areas of the Municipal Unit.
The contract was deemed urgent to ensure full coverage of needs during the tourist season and to avoid water shortages in homes, tourist accommodations, and businesses.
