Environment and Energy Minister Theodoros Skylakakis in a press conference on Wednesday outlined the government's initiatives to address water scarcity and overall water management.

Skylakakis highlighted the severe water shortages in Attica, Aegean islands and Eastern Crete, noting that over the past two years, water levels have significantly dropped. This reduction could lead to severe water scarcity in the coming years.

He emphasized that over 80% of water consumption is attributed to irrigation. Skylakakis also pointed out that water losses are substantial with over 35.6% of the water unaccounted for. Only 42% of providers submit systematic data, revealing weaknesses in the current monitoring and control mechanisms. Additionally, Skylakakis noted that challenges arise from a lack of data and prioritization issues in central administration.

Proposed investments by providers amount to 5.871 billion euros, excluding projects undertaken by EYDAP. There are 2,127 proposed projects, including 681 new projects costing 2 billion euros and 1,446 upgrade/replacement projects costing 3.9 billion euros. These investments aim to ensure water supply, improve drinking water quality, reduce leaks, automate telemetry and leak detection systems and save energy.

CEO of EYDAP  Harry Sachinis explained that for Athens' water supply, additional sources are being explored due to a significant decrease in water reserves from 1.1 billion cubic meters in October 2022 to below 700 million cubic meters nowadays. In case of continued drought, existing reserves would last for four years.

Additionally, EYDAP has planned projects worth 400 million euros over the next five years to optimize water supply network management.