Athens' Water Pollution: Strategies For A Cleaner Future

Athens, Greece, is facing a water crisis. The city is already experiencing some degree of water shortage, and demand is growing at an excessive and unsustainable rate of around six per cent a year. This is driven by a growing urban population and the expansion of suburban homes. Industrial pollution is also a significant issue, with residents of Pittard Road in northeast Athens reporting contaminated soil and well water in August 2023. Athens' municipal water supply is regularly tested to ensure it complies with drinking water guidelines, but there are still concerns about water quality. To address these issues, Athens is taking steps to improve water efficiency and reduce consumption. In addition, the introduction of electric cars and the promotion of public transport are helping to reduce air pollution and its impact on water sources.

Athens-Clarke County declares a local public health emergency due to high levels of toxic chemicals in wells

In August 2023, Pittard Road residents in Athens, Georgia, met with the ACC Mayor and Commission to express their concerns about industrial pollution in their area. They believed that their soil and water sources were contaminated, which was causing severe health consequences. The residents demanded immediate action and a comprehensive investigation.

An in-depth review conducted by the local government found no evidence of industrial contamination along Pittard Road, despite the presence of a nearby factory originally owned by DuPont that produced textiles from the 1970s until 2019. However, residents remained unconvinced and continued to blame the DuPont plant for cancers and other health issues in their neighborhood.

In October 2024, new testing revealed contaminated well water in the northeast side of Athens, including Pittard Road and Star Drive. Acting Athens-Clarke County Manager Niki Jones declared a local public health emergency after "extremely high" levels of toxic chemicals, known as PFAS or "forever chemicals", were discovered in the wells. PFAS has been linked to various health risks, including kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid issues, and immune system deficiencies.

As a result of the emergency declaration, Jones expedited the process of transitioning ten homes in the affected area from wells to city water. The ACC Public Utilities Department contracted with Seay Plumbing and Drain Service to connect these residents to a nearby water line, incurring a cost of $60,000. This expense would typically require approval from the mayor and commission, but the declaration allowed for a quicker response to the crisis.

While Athens' municipal water showed no detectable levels of PFAS in 2022, new regulations from the Biden administration will require annual testing of municipal water supplies across the country for PFAS, with mandatory testing starting in three years. This will help ensure that residents have access to safe and clean drinking water.

The ACC Public Utilities Department connects affected homes to a nearby water line

Athens, Greece, is facing a water crisis, driven by a growing urban population and an expansion of suburban homes. The demand for water in the greater Athens region is increasing at an unsustainable rate of around six percent per year. This, coupled with the effects of climate change, is causing a significant water shortage in the city.

Athens has a history of environmental neglect, with rapid urbanization, industrial and agricultural intensification, and inefficient energy generation all contributing to the current crisis. The ancient Greeks recognized the impact of human activity on their environment, and even then, their rich natural environment was under pressure.

In August 2023, residents of Pittard Road in Athens reported what they believed to be contamination in their soil and well water. Athens-Clarke County Manager Niki Jones declared a local public health emergency after high levels of toxic chemicals were found in wells in the area.

In response to this emergency, the ACC Public Utilities Department took action to protect the health and safety of the affected residents. They contracted with Seay Plumbing and Drain Service to connect ten homes in the contaminated area to a nearby water line, ensuring access to clean and safe water. This proactive step cost $60,000 and was expedited due to the emergency declaration, with the usual approval process from the mayor and commission being waived.

The Public Utilities Department is responsible for providing safe drinking water and ensuring proper wastewater management. They are committed to using environmentally responsible methods and protecting public health, fire protection, and economic prosperity. The department also handles issues related to public sanitary sewers and underground wastewater pipes between manholes.

By connecting affected homes to a nearby water line, the ACC Public Utilities Department took swift and decisive action to address the immediate health concerns of residents. This temporary solution provides clean water to those impacted by the contaminated wells, demonstrating the department's commitment to the well-being of the community.

Municipal water supplies must be tested for PFAS annually to comply with new regulations

Athens, Greece, is facing a water crisis. The city is already experiencing some degree of water shortage, and demand is growing at an unsustainable rate of around six per cent a year. This is driven by a growing urban population and an expansion of suburban homes. Climate change could also severely impact Athens within 30 years, and the entire Mediterranean region is experiencing a decrease in precipitation, especially during the summer months.

Athens is not alone in its water problems. Many Greek islands face similar issues, with small catchment areas, low rainfall, and geology making it impossible for some to store enough water. This causes severe shortages during the summer when demand peaks with increased irrigation and an influx of tourists.

Athens is also facing issues with water pollution. In August 2023, residents of Pittard Road in northeast Athens demanded that the local government take action to address industrial pollution in their area, as they believed their soil and water sources were contaminated. While the local government's review of the data found no evidence of industrial contamination, the Athens-Clarke County Manager declared a local public health emergency after "extremely high" levels of toxic chemicals were discovered in wells in the area.

To address water pollution and ensure safe drinking water, the Biden-Harris administration in the US has finalized the first-ever National Drinking Water Standard to protect 100 million people from PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) pollution. PFAS are toxic "'forever chemicals' that build up in the body and do not break down in the environment. The new regulation requires municipal water supplies across the country to be tested for PFAS annually, with mandatory testing starting in three years. This is in addition to $1 billion in funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help states and territories implement PFAS testing and treatment at public water systems and address private well contamination.

The new PFAS regulation is a significant step in ensuring safe drinking water for all Americans and addressing the urgent national health and environmental crisis caused by PFAS contamination. It complements President Biden's government-wide action plan to combat PFAS pollution and reduce exposure to toxic substances, including a $1 billion investment from the Investing in America agenda to address PFAS pollution and prevent cancer deaths.

Municipal water supplies must be tested for PFAS annually to comply with these new regulations. Public water systems have three years to complete initial monitoring and must inform the public of the PFAS levels in their drinking water. If PFAS levels exceed the Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) set by the EPA, water systems have five years to implement solutions to reduce PFAS levels. The EPA has developed a toolkit to help entities communicate about PFAS and provides information on treatment options, such as granular activated carbon, reverse osmosis, and ion exchange systems.

By complying with these new regulations, municipal water supplies can help protect their communities from the harmful effects of PFAS exposure and ensure that their residents have access to clean and safe drinking water.

Water demand in Athens is growing at an unsustainable rate of around 6% per year

Water demand in the greater Athens region is growing at an unsustainable rate of around 6% per year. This is driven by a growing urban population and the movement of people from city apartment blocks to suburban homes with gardens on the fringes of the region.

Athens is one of the cities that climate change could severely impact within 30 years and it is already experiencing some degree of water shortage. Greece already has one of the best per capita water supplies in the Mediterranean, but its precipitation varies enormously across the country. While the west is relatively wet and the mountains can get 85 inches (2,150mm) of rainfall a year, other regions have barely 15 inches (400mm) of rain—much less than they need to satisfy demand.

Demand for water is outstripping supply in Greece, and climate change is making it worse. By 2050, Greece could be 2°C warmer with 18% less rainfall. Droughts could become more frequent and intense, while groundwater recharge, on which much of Greece depends, could continue to fall. Greece draws more than 40% of its usable water from groundwater aquifers—often more on the islands. But in many places, such as the island of Crete and Corinth city, groundwater is being extracted faster than it can be naturally recharged; not only does this steadily drain the aquifer but it also allows saltwater to seep in and contaminate the whole supply.

Athens is not the only place in Greece facing a challenging water future. Inhabited Greek islands face particular water problems. Small catchment areas, low rainfall and geology make it impossible for some to store sufficient water, causing severe shortages during the summer when demand peaks with increased irrigation and an influx of tourists that can swell the population tenfold.

Athens must take urgent measures to curb water consumption and increase water efficiency, or in a few years, supply will not meet demand.

Athens' water pollution is caused by industrial waste, urbanisation, and agricultural intensification

Athens, Georgia, is facing water pollution caused by industrial waste, urbanisation, and agricultural intensification. In August 2023, residents of Pittard Road in Northeast Athens reported contaminated soil and well water, which they believed was due to industrial pollution. Acting Athens-Clarke County Manager, Niki Jones, declared a local public health emergency as "extremely high" levels of toxic chemicals were discovered in wells in the area.

The contamination of water in Athens is largely attributed to industrial waste. The presence of toxic chemicals, including PFAS, in the well water of Northeast Athens has raised concerns among residents. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in various industrial processes and consumer products. These chemicals are persistent in the environment and can accumulate in the bodies of living organisms, leading to potential health risks. While the exact source of PFAS pollution in Athens is yet to be determined, it is clear that industrial activities have played a significant role in water pollution.

Urbanisation is another contributing factor to water pollution in Athens. As the city experiences a growing urban population, there is an increasing demand for water, which is putting pressure on water resources. Athens' municipal water treatment processes, such as heavy chlorination, can leave an unpleasant smell and taste in the water, although it is important to note that the levels of chlorine used do not pose a risk to human health. Additionally, urban development can lead to soil erosion, with sediments and contaminants being washed into water bodies, further degrading water quality.

Agricultural intensification is also a significant contributor to water pollution in Athens and the surrounding areas. Agricultural activities, such as excessive irrigation and the use of pesticides and fertilisers, can result in the contamination of water sources. Runoff from agricultural lands can carry chemicals, sediments, and nutrients into nearby water bodies, leading to eutrophication and the creation of dead zones where aquatic life cannot survive. Furthermore, the over-exploitation of groundwater by agricultural practices contributes to the unsustainable water demand in the greater Athens region.

To address these issues, Athens is taking several measures to reduce water pollution and improve water quality. The local government is working on transitioning affected households from wells to city water, ensuring access to cleaner water sources. Additionally, Athens is committed to complying with new regulations, such as the mandatory annual testing of municipal water supplies for PFAS, to identify and address potential sources of pollution. While the sources and impacts of water pollution in Athens are varied, the local authorities and residents are actively working towards finding solutions and ensuring a sustainable water future for the city.

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