Patmos is facing a major pollution crisis, according to reports and visual material that have come to light, as the island’s wastewater treatment plant is not functioning properly. As a result, untreated sewage is flowing directly into the sea, causing intense odors and serious risks to public health.

Even worse, based on footage published by protothema.gr, sewage is also reaching the taps of houses and courtyards, with the water running brown — and of course, completely unsuitable for consumption.

Pollution, Stench, and Health Hazard in Patmos

According to reports from the local press (Patmian Chronicles, Monday, August 18), the malfunction does not only concern the submarine pipeline but mainly the wastewater treatment facility itself, which is said to be out of service due to mechanical failures.

Residents report that at night, septic trucks empty their contents into the treatment plant’s tanks, which, however, are not operating. The waste remains there overnight, spreading a foul odor, while in the morning valves are opened and the sewage is discharged directly into the sea.

Despite efforts — most recently the assignment of a diver to unblock the pipeline — the problem persists, as the plant’s mechanical failures have not been repaired. Residents of the Hohlakas area are even threatening to appeal to the public prosecutor, while, according to Patmian Chronicles, the mayor, Nikitas Tsampalakis, had assured on July 28 that the issue would be resolved within two weeks — something that has not happened to this day.

Following pollution complaints, the Port Authority conducted an inspection at the facility and recorded violations. In addition, the Municipal Council had decided to impose a disposal fee for septic waste at the treatment plant, amounting to €10 per truck and €1.20 per cubic meter. Now questions are being raised about whether these revenues are being collected and how they are being used.

As long as the malfunctions persist and the facilities remain inoperative, Patmos will continue to face a major environmental and public health crisis — one that affects both the residents’ quality of life and the island’s image as a tourist destination.