Water scarcity is the lack of sufficient

available water resources to meet the

demands of water usage within a region.

Water

scarcity

involves wate

r stress, water

shortage or

deficits,

and water

crisis

Water scarcity OCCURS WHEN the amount of water withdrawn from lakes, rivers or

groundwater is so great that water supplies are no longer adequate to satisfy all

human or ecosystem requirements, bringing about increased competition among

potential demands.

Water scarcity has also

been defined as a situation

where water availability in

a country or in a region is

BELOW 1000 m3 /person

/year. However, many

regions in the world

experience much more

severe scarcity, living with

LESS THAN 500 m3 per

person per year.

Water scarcity: The next world war will be about water

Pinios river

Water scarcity is among the

main problems to be faced by

many societies of the 21st

century. Water use has

increased surpassing AT

TWICE the population growth

rate in the last century.

Water scarcity can be a result of two mechanisms: physical (absolute) water

scarcity and economic water scarcity, where physical water scarcity is a result of inadequate

natural water resources to supply a region's demand, and economic water scarcity is a result

of poor management of the sufficient available water resources.

The water level drops gradually

Lake Kerkini

Serres,

Macedonia

Ground WaterMany aquifers have been formed primarily in the sedimentary materials and the estimated amount of stored ground water is 10,300 hm3/year.

Surface Water

There are 765 recorded streams, 45 of which are perennial. Four rivers flow from the northern countries into Greece, and one river crosses the border into Albania. There are many seasonal springs that feed into small streams. There are more than fifty lakes in Greece, three of which are trans-boundary.

Water storage features

Dams of differing capacities have been constructed for domestic supply and irrigation purposes and the production of hydroelectric power. There are also several small water reservoirs that are used mainly for irrigation.

Huge water scarcity problem the next fifty years

gazette

Intense and prolonged water shortages will face over the next 50 years, Greece with tragic social

and economic consequences. Scientists are sounding the alarm bells about climate change and

point out that our country must be consistent with its obligations to the international community for

limiting pollution it produces. The first problems, moreover, are already being felt throughout the

Mediterranean.

The president of the National Observatory of Athens and professor of the University of Athens.

Christos Zerefos, the Associate Professor at NTUA, John Ziomas and Rep. Ibrahim, responsible

for the campaign of the environmental organization Greenpeace on Climate Change, spoke

yesterday at the Environment Committee House.

"The most important consequence is the disruption of water balance, evolution observed in

Greece with dramatic way," he explained. "The descent of the aquifer is noticeable even in areas

of the country where there is no over-pumping." The second noticeable change is the change of

behavior of weather systems. "We accept the same rain in a much shorter time," he said, leading

to increased flooding. "Over the past 30 years rainfall in the Mediterranean have fallen by 20%.

This reduction will continue over the next fifty years, when the water shortage problem would be

huge for Greece, "he concluded.

The majority of the

countries of the

Mediterranean

region are

characterized by a

strong seasonal

distribution of

precipitation,

which may be one

of the main

reasons for the

water scarcity

problems that they

are facing.

The likely effects of climate change on the water

resources of the eastern Mediterranean and Middle

East region have been investigated using a high-

resolution regional climate model (PRECIS) by

comparing precipitation simulations of 2040–2069

and 2070–2099 with 1961–1990 (29). The projected

change in internal water resources is assumed to be

the same as the projected change in precipitation.

Greece is expected to have an 18% precipitation

decrease by midcentury, and 22% by the end of the

century. With modest population decline expected,

Greece’s per capita water resources are expected to

decline somewhat by midcentury but still remain

high compared to the majority of surrounding

countries. Thus, climate change is likely to

necessitate modest changes to Greece’s water

resources management.

In Greece, the main problem is

the lack of management practices

and consumption, due to the lack

of wise use.River Nestos

Doirani Lake

North of Lemnos, in Gomati, on the slopes of the

village Katalakko, the spectacle is absolutely

unexpected: A small…desert.

Water Scarcity

desertification

the nightmare is here

Ante portas

drought

Vulnerabilities of Greece

Magnesia,

Almyros

Lake

Although Greece has one of the greatest water resources potentials per capita in the

Mediterranean area, and should theoretically have ample water for its population

and traditional water uses, water is not evenly distributed in space and time. The

maximum precipitation is recorded in the western parts, where the available water

resources are consequently plentiful, while in other regions of the country

precipitation is much lower and available water resources are insufficient to meet

the demand. Due to this inequality in water distribution, both in space and in time,

some areas of Greece such as Attica and the Aegean Islands are facing long-term

water shortage problems.

Given the water scarcity observed in parts of the

country, conflicts are unavoidable:

In urban centers, where the main area for conflict

is the transfer of water from other, richer in water

resources regions, or the exploitation of water

resources that would be used for irrigation. Cases of

water deficient urban centers are the Metropolitan

Athens area and Thessaloniki (or Thessalonica).

The Mornos dam was completed in 1979 to

meet the water needs of Attica and after the

construction of an artificial lake. The waters

sank Christmas 1980 Kallio village first

appeared in 1989 because of drought. Since

then it has revealed three more times. A few

days ago it came back to the surface to take a

breath before ... sank again to its wet prison.

A total of forty houses of the old

settlement Kallio brought up

because of drought and last year,

lean in winter rains. Covered with

seaweed and mussels, they look

like they have come out of the

fairy tale or a book pages with

Celtic legends, fairies and sea

monsters.

In agricultural areas, where conflict arises due to the excessive usage for

irrigation purposes of water that could be used for domestic supply, tourist

activities, and for maintaining the ecological characteristics of the surface and

ground water of the area. The agricultural activities and practices in Greece have

neither been “modernized” nor adapted to current requirements and standards.

One consequence is the vast amounts of water used for irrigation (irrigation uses

almost 85%, while domestic uses are 13% and industrial uses are 2%), that could be

drastically reduced through the introduction of more efficient irrigation networks

and better selection of crops to suit the climate.

The water levels of Lake Plastiras recede dramatically

In areas dependent on tourism, and particularly in the Aegean islands, conflicts are very

intense. During the summer months, water demand reaches its peak both for irrigation and

domestic supply; in some islands the summer peak can reach up to thirty times the domestic

needs of the permanent population. As the domestic supply takes priority over the use for

irrigation, conflicts invariably arise between the municipal water suppliers and the local

farmers.

Water resources in the Greek islands are very limited, and with few exceptions consist of

groundwater contained in the local aquifers. The amount of water that can be abstracted is limited,

as overabstraction of those aquifers leads to salinization of the water rendering it mostly unusable.

The soils in the islands are extremely vulnerable to erosion, with resulting problems in the water

resources (reservoir sedimentation, stream bed stability etc.).

annual rainfall and temperatures

in particular

Attica Cyclades islands

Each one of these three regions

suffers water deficits for a

different reason, which makes

them good candidates for

reference:1. Attica, the area of Attica,that hosts over half

of the country’s population in the Capital city and

the surrounding areas, suffers water deficits

because of the permanent population size, which

is too big for the available local water resources to

cover. Water for the supply of the capital city

originates mostly in other Water Regions, as the

underground aquifers of Attica – not adequate

since ancient times – are overall polluted and

eutrophic. The water deficit in this case is

permanent and caused by increased domestic

demand.

2.

The Thessaly plains

are intensively

cultivated, requiring

large amounts of

irrigation water.

Therefore large amounts

of water are used for

irrigation in Thessaly that

could be drastically

reduced by the

introduction of more

efficient irrigation

networks and a more

organized approach to

the selection of crops.

The water deficit in this

case is seasonal, and

caused by demand for

irrigation.

The farmers use to irrigate the ground water,

thus depleting stocks.

In Thessaly the irrigation

conducted by boreholes that

reach 300 meters deep and

destroy the aquifer, costing both

the environment and their

holders

LAKE KORONIA 09/15/2013 COMPLETELY DRY

Water scarcity killed hundreds of fish

3. The Cyclades islands in the summer months attract large numbers of

tourists, which steeply increase the water demand to the point that it

cannot be covered by the existing infrastructure and water resources.

During the summer months, water demand reaches its peak both for

irrigation, and for domestic supply; in some islands the summer peak

may reach up to thirty times the permanent population, while water

resources are very limited. The water deficit in this case is seasonal, and

caused by an influx of tourist population, while there are severe conflicts

with use of water for irrigation purposes.

The "nightmare" of water shortage on the Aegean islands

At least 10 islands depend another year by boat - water lorries to make the summer.

Despite record-rainfall recorded this year in our country, at least 10 Aegean islands depend for another

year by boat - water lorries to make the summer. The stories are the same up and down.

Desalination purchased but do not work because they have made the necessary supporting projects,

others having maintenance problems and remain inactive, reservoirs with failures. Somewhat so,

water, although commodity remains again sought mainly for mikronisiotes.

Estimated needs of the islands this year:

-Donousa 8,600 cubic

-Patmos 48,500 cubic

-Agathonisi 7,800 cubic

-Symi 4,500 cubic

-Kastelorizo 22,600 cubic

-Kimolos 33,700 cubic

-Irakleia 13,000 cubic

-Amorgos 30,000 cubic

-Syros 19,000 cubic

-Leipsoi 29,800 cubicEthnos news 16/05/2015

Dozens of drought stricken Greek islands in the Aegean are

being forced to import greater amounts of water every year

(5). Faced with a water shortage crisis on its hands, the

Greek government is currently trying to tackle the problem

by importing millions of cubic metres of water to the

islands of Milos, Nisyros, Amorgos, Koufonisia, Shinoussa,

Folegandros, Tinos, Sikinos, Thirasis, Donoussa, Patmos,

Symi, Halki and Palionissos .

According to local

governors, the

problem is not just that

there is not enough

rainfall to fill up the

dams and rivers for

irrigation but that the

area also suffers from

a 70% reduction in the

replenishment of the

aquifer, and this has

had a catastrophic

effect on agriculture

Crete is in danger

Water shortage and in AchaiaThe sea has entered the aquifer

County Achaia will be added to the list of areas threatened by

water scarcity this year, as all wells used for irrigation have

brackish water because of the entry of the sea in the

underground aquifer.

Moreover, farmers are forced to carry water from the highlands

and the pumping is at a depth of 300 meters.

Lake Carla

Especially in our

country, chronic is the

aqueous "wounds" that

remain open and must

be urgently addressed:

the Asopos, Acheloos,

Aoos, Aliakmonas,

Nestos, Evros, Pinios,

Prespes, the Koronia,

the Vistonida the

Nestos delta and Axios,

small wetlands, the

salination of

groundwater bodies,

the lack of drinking

water in the islands.

The main constraints and problem issues are the following:

Strong dependence on irrigation. Even with the best management techniques and strategies, agriculture will remain the major

user of water in the country, due to the hot and dry climate.

Pronounced seasonality of demand, which makes the provision of water services harder, as it is not always possible to ensure

adequate supply.

The demand that is due to tourism peaks in the summer when a major influx of tourists is observed.

The demand for agriculture peaks in the dry hot season, the same time as the domestic demand peaks due to tourism.

Uneven distribution of resources. Both precipitation and surface water resources are concentrated in the western and northern

parts of the country which are self-sufficient, while the eastern and southern parts of the country face water shortages.

Uneven distribution of population. Overall, the population is concentrated in the eastern coastal areas which tend to be under

stress. Furthermore, the concentration of almost half the Greek population in Athens, in the poorest water region of the country, and the

seasonal influx of visitors to the Greek islands, exacerbate the water shortage problems.

Overexploitation and salinization of aquifers, a common problem in the areas dependent on groundwater and particularly

in coastal areas.

Water quality deterioration due to human activities.

Focus on short-term developmental policies rather on the actual water resource management.

Lack of inter-ministerial coordination and overlaps in areas of authority. Instead of an organized, coordinated approach to

water resources management, measures taken are only partial and generally ineffective.

Absence of master plans or national guidelines for comprehensive planning and management in the past, despite recent

efforts for responding to that problem.

The geothermal heat machines that produce

electricity, but also any renewable source is

in abundance in our country, could be a

solution to water scarcity.

This pointed to speaking in SKAI, the

professor of mechanical engineering at the

TEI of Halkida Michalis Vrochopoulos.

Mr. Michalis Vrochopoulos added that

desalination of water by using waste heat

recovery from power plants is a method

especially widespread in Iceland and Italy.

Scientific methods for water scarcityNew scientific methods, can provide solutions to the problem of water scarcity

Solutions to water scarcityDesalination unit operating in Milos, and use of water by biological purification in

Thessaloniki

The desalination plant with wind in Milos

Solution to water scarcity for 33,000 acres of arable EYATH

Dams

against

water scarcity

With the construction of small and large dams in Greece, water scarcity will be

confronted and climate change, said in a statement the Technical Chamber of

Greece.

The Chamber notes that the construction of new dams will increase the power rate

from hydroelectric projects and is proper management of water resources.

Also, dams effectively contribute to the damping of floods as has happened in the

river Acheloos.

In practice

And

Special Secretariat for Water of the Hellenic Ministry of the Environment, Energy and Climate

Change and NAMA S.A.

presents

Drought & Water Scarcity Management in E. Sterea Ellada

LIFE+ PURE

The PURE project is a proof program aimed at upgrading treated wastewater to an alternative water

source to semi dried areas. Funded at 50% by the European Commission under the LIFE + Environment

Policy and Governance, and 50% from the own resources of participating partners. The implementation

of the program area is located in the Municipality of Hersonissos, in the northeastern part of the

prefecture of Heraklion, Crete. In Life Pure involved four agencies specialized in different objects .The

bodies should cooperate closely to achieve the program within the required timeframes. Meanwhile,

experts freelancers will be invited to offer their knowledge and experience in their specialty.

The partners of Pure Life are:

1) Municipal Enterprise for Water and Sewage Peninsula(Project Manager)

2) TEI Crete: School of Agricultural Technology

3) Mediterranean SOS Network

4) Cyprus University of Technology

Water bridgesWe unite our voices for water scarcity

ONE DROP™ IS AN INTERNATIONAL NON-PROFIT

ORGANIZATION CREATED BY CIRQUE DU SOLEIL FOUNDER

GUY LALIBERTÉ IN 2007. AT THE CORE OF OUR MISSION IS

WATER AS A TRANSFORMATIVE FORCE TO IMPROVE LIVING

CONDITIONS, AS WELL AS GIVE COMMUNITIES THE ABILITY TO

CARE FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILIES. SUSTAINABLY.

The Gift of Rain. Educational material for

ESD. MIO-ECSDE & GWP-MED, 2014 (3rd

edition)

The educational material “The gift of rain”

(produced in the Greek language) aims to

raise awareness and educate students of

late middle and secondary level (10-16

years old) towards the sustainable

management of water. More specifically

the material aims to cultivate in students

the necessary skills to address the old,

partly abandoned practices of rainwater

collection, that have been traditionally

applied in the Cyclades islands over the

centuries, as well as the modern

techniques that can be applied today in

homes, hotels, etc. in order to collect,

economise, or recycle water (through grey

water reuse). Overall the material aims for

students to acquire a positive attitude

towards wise water use in their daily lives.

Not even a drop lost

ΜΕΣΟΓΕΙΟΣ SOS

ΣΚΑΙ

ΚΑΘΗΜΕΡΙΝΗ

Εθνικό Μετσόβιο Πολυτεχνείο

Γεωπονικό Πανεπιστήμιο Αθηνών

Members The "Voluntary Commitment", which asked to sign, includes 12 practices that help

save water.

Farmers The "Voluntary Commitment" includes, practices such as avoiding water consuming

crop plants, drip irrigation, avoid watering at midday, the reuse of water for irrigation.

Citizens "Voluntary Commitment" includes 12 tips for saving water in everyday life in

order to change our habits so as not to waste water.

MEDITERRANEAN SOS Agricultural University of Athens

KATHIMERINI NEWSNational Technical University of Athens

«WATERSAVE: ένα ολοκληρωμένο εκπαιδευτικό πρόγραμμα για μαθητές σχολείων»

The "Water conservation: a comprehensive educational

program for schoolchildren."

It is an initiative of the Network MEDITERRANEAN SOS

Το Πρόγραμμα ενημέρωσης και ευαισθητοποίησης για την εξοικονόμηση νερού υλοποιείται με την ευγενική υποστήριξη του:

Referenceshttp://medsos.gr/medsos/2008-08-12-07-11-15/2010-11-16-14-29-32/2010-11-

16-14-32-56/620-2009-07-31-11-47-13.html

http://www.tovima.gr/society/article/?aid=249980

http://www.ethnos.gr/article.asp?catid=22768&subid=2&pubid=1370554

http://environ.chemeng.ntua.gr/wsm/Newsletters/Issue2/CircumstancesInGreece.htm

http://www.seven-solutions.eu/projects/drought-water-scarcity-management-plan-for-the-river-basin-district-of-

eastern-sterea-ellada-gr07-greece/

http://www.watersave.gr/files/PDF/10ekp.pdf

http://ydrokritis.blogspot.gr/2014/08/blog-post.htm

WWF ΕΛΛΑΣ, www.wwf.gr

www.greenpeace.org/greece

www.eydap.grwww.ecocrete.gr

www.oneearth.gr

www.plefsis.gr/nero.htm

ΟΗΕ, www.un.org

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Koutsoyiannis, D., Zarkadoulas, N., Angelakis, A. N. and Tchobanoglous, G., (2008) Urban water

management in Ancient Greece: Legacies and lessons, Journal of Water Resources Planning

and Management-ASCE,134:1,pp.45–54,

Karamos, A., Aggelides, S. and Londra, P. (2004) Non-conventional water use in Greece, Cairo,

Egypt: Centre International de Hautes Études Agronomiques Méditérannéenne

Mimikou, M. A. (2005) Water Resources in Greece: Present and Future, Global NEST Journal, 7:3,

pp. 313-322

Sofios, S., Arabatzis, G. and Baltas, E. (2007) Policy for management of water resources in

Greece, The environmentalist,28(3),pp.185-194

Kitsantonis, N. (2007) Greece struggles with water shortage. New York Times.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/03/world/europe/03iht-dry.4.6976449.html