Recent rainfall, while giving temporary relief to Attica’s water supplies, the numbers reflecting reality are anything but optimistic: According to figures published by EYDAP, with meticulous diligence, one might say, and uninterrupted since 1985, the reserves in the reservoirs that supply Attica currently stand at 560 million cubic meters, while a year ago they reached 667 million cubic meters, and two years ago they exceeded 900 million cubic meters.

The numbers hide truths, and among them is an ongoing climate crisis that is translating into a water and freezing crisis. Crises that are not only experienced by Athens, or Greece, but by the whole globe, with the greatest pressures being exerted on Mediterranean countries, such as our country.

Especially for Attica, where almost half of the country’s population is concentrated, the problem becomes more acute and requires vigilance.

Downward trend in reservoir inflows

In recent years, the recording of a downward trend in reservoir inflows, due to lower rainfall and prolonged periods of drought, while consumption remains the same (about 1 million cubic meters per day) puts pressure on everyone, but especially on the State and EYDAP, which are responsible not only for the sufficiency but also for the quality of the water that Athens drinks.

Managing water with the seriousness that the issue deserves requires responsibility from everyone. It is a battle in which no one is left out and everyone has a role to play, from the ordinary domestic consumer to the state and local government itself, businesses, industries and society.

According to agents of EYDAP the water debate cannot be confined to piecemeal reactions or occasions for controversy, and above all, it cannot remain in words. Responsible and quick decisions, investment and cooperation of all stakeholders are needed, but also a conscious attitude of society, which is essentially a one-way street.

The EYDAP planning and the €2.5 billion investment plan

EYDAP is called upon to ensure not only the current water sufficiency, but also the ability to meet the needs of Attica in the coming years. According to the Company, the answer to this challenge is an extensive, contributory investment programme worth €2.5 billion, which involves different lines of action, from replacing old pipelines and reducing leaks to digital monitoring of networks, energy upgrading of facilities and enhancing the resilience of the water supply system, the application of innovative technologies in water saving, but also reuse wherever possible.

These are interventions that constitute the basic prerequisite for water to continue to reach households, businesses and municipalities in Attica safely and adequately.

According to the same agents, if someone were to claim that such a project can be supported with revenues that have remained stagnant for the last 17 years, it would probably be for sensationalism or social discussion. The adjustment of tariffs, after 17 years of unchanged charges, and even taking into account the value for money of every euro given by the citizen, has come to support critical projects that ensure that there will not be a problem with the water supply in the future.

Of course, even the fact that after this adjustment, EYDAP’s tariffs remain the lowest among major European cities further strengthens the argument that the adjustment was both fair and necessary.

Attica’s water is not inexhaustible, nor is it a given. The responsibility for its preservation is collective and involves both the State and institutions and citizens. Timely action today is the only safe option to avoid much bigger problems in the future, the EYDAP agents conclude.