21.06.2026 19:11
A state of emergency has been declared on at least 12 islands in Greece, including tourist islands in the Aegean Sea, due to drought, increased water consumption, and inadequate infrastructure. Authorities reported that water losses have reached 60% and the risk of seawater infiltrating underground sources is increasing.
A state of emergency (OHAL) has been declared on at least 12 islands in Greece.
CAUSE: DECREASE IN WATER RESOURCES
According to reports in the Greek press, a state of emergency has been declared on at least 12 islands in the Aegean Sea, including tourist islands, due to drought, increasing water consumption, and inadequate infrastructure increasing pressure on water resources.
Petros Varelidis, Secretary General of Environment and Water Resources of Greece, stated that water scarcity is not a temporary but a permanent problem for many islands, and expressed that new tourism investments should be planned taking into account the existing infrastructure capacity.
Varelidis noted that losses in drinking water networks on some islands reach up to 60 percent, and said that priority should be given to renewing water infrastructure before new facilities.
RISK OF SEAWATER MIXING WITH GROUNDWATER RESOURCES INCREASES
Efthimios Lekkas, President of the Earthquake Planning and Protection Organization (OASP), stated that the risk of seawater mixing with groundwater resources has increased, threatening freshwater reserves in some regions.
Experts argue that seawater desalination is an important alternative for meeting water needs, but it is not seen as a permanent solution alone due to high cost and energy consumption.
It was stated that in recent years, due to drought, increased tourism activities, and infrastructure deficiencies, pressure on water resources has increased especially in island regions of Greece, and many municipalities have put water conservation measures on their agenda before the summer season.