Helena Joyce
Greece has one of the best per capita water supplies in the Mediterranean, but its precipitation varies enormously across the country. The country is surrounded by the Ionian Sea to the west and the Aegean Sea to the east, both of which have a jagged coastline and many gulfs. Greece's water issues are related to quantity rather than quality, with demand outstripping supply. This is driven by a growing urban population and an expansion beyond apartment blocks to suburban homes with large gardens. Climate change is also making the situation worse, with Athens already experiencing some degree of water shortage. While Greece has enough desalination capacity to produce approximately 200,000 cubic meters of fresh water a day, the country's water bodies have shown signs of pollution since the 1960s, with inappropriate waste disposal and management practices leading to the degradation of surface and groundwater.
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What You'll Learn
Water pollution from agriculture and industry
Greece has a long coastline of 15,000 km, which is one-third of the total Mediterranean coast. The country is surrounded by the Ionian Sea in the west and the Aegean Sea in the east, both of which have a jagged coastline and numerous gulfs. Greece has one of the best per capita water supplies in the Mediterranean, but its precipitation varies significantly across the country. The long-term average of annual renewable water resources is 74,250 million cubic meters per year, of which 78% are considered internal water resources, and 22% are external. However, demand for water in Greece is outstripping supply, and climate change is worsening the situation.
Since the 1960s, water bodies near urban areas or regions with increased agricultural and industrial activity have shown signs of pollution. Urbanization has been a significant driver of land use change in Greece, with eight million people living in urban areas. Urbanization has exacerbated local environmental problems such as air and noise pollution, traffic congestion, and improper waste disposal, which can lead to the degradation of surface and groundwater.
Agriculture is a major user of water resources in Greece, with the majority of River Basin Districts (RBDs) using the largest percentages of their abstracted water for this sector. The nitrate concentrations in groundwater bodies generally reflect the intensity of agricultural activities above them. While Greece has made progress in implementing policies to reduce agricultural inputs of nitrate, mean nitrate concentrations in groundwaters are still above background levels (10mg/L NO3). However, they remain well below the parametric value of 50mg/L NO3 as per the Drinking Water Directive.
To address water pollution and scarcity issues, Greece has been improving its wastewater treatment infrastructure and exploring renewable energy sources for desalination. Greece has designated 89 sensitive areas for more stringent wastewater treatment, and the country has seen significant improvements in renewable energy, particularly wind and solar, making desalination more environmentally friendly and cost-effective.
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Climate change and water scarcity
Greece is currently ranked 26th for water stress worldwide, and climate change is worsening the situation. The country's water balance and ecology are sensitive to changes in the quantity and quality of inflowing waters. Southern Europe, including Greece, is experiencing more erratic rainfall and hotter temperatures due to climate change. Last summer and winter were the warmest on record in Greece, with many places experiencing months without rainfall.
Greece's precipitation varies significantly across the country. While the western regions and mountains receive ample rainfall, other areas face a shortage, with some regions receiving far less rain than they need. This imbalance has resulted in long-term water shortages in certain areas, such as Attica, Thessalonica, and the southern Aegean Islands.
Climate change projections indicate that Greece's temperature will increase, leading to higher rates of evaporation and drier conditions. By 2050, the country could be 3.6°F (2°C) warmer, with 18% less rainfall. This will likely result in more frequent and intense droughts, further exacerbating the water scarcity issues.
The impact of climate change on water resources is already being felt in Greece. The demand for water is outstripping supply, and the situation is expected to worsen. Athens, for example, is facing water shortages due to a growing urban population and expanding suburban areas. The island of Crete and Corinth city are also experiencing similar challenges, with groundwater being extracted faster than it can be naturally recharged.
To address the water crisis, Greece needs to take urgent measures. This includes improving water efficiency, curbing water consumption, and reducing over-exploitation of groundwater by the agricultural sector. Households can also play a role by adopting water-saving techniques and technologies, such as high-efficiency showerheads, shorter showers, and dual-flush toilets.
Desalination plants offer a potential solution to Greece's water scarcity issues. The country already has the capacity to produce approximately 200,000 cubic meters of freshwater daily through desalination. The government plans to expand decentralized desalination plants to ensure each island has water autonomy. However, these plants require significant energy, and improving renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, can help reduce the environmental impact of desalination.
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Water treatment and conservation
Greece is a popular tourist destination, with more than ten million tourists visiting the mainland and islands each year. The country has one of the best per capita water supplies in the Mediterranean, but its precipitation varies enormously across the region. Demand for water is outstripping supply, and climate change is making the situation worse.
To prevent a water crisis, Greece needs to take urgent measures to curb water consumption and increase water efficiency. Water conservation refers to the prudent management and preservation of water resources to ensure their sustainable use for present and future generations. It involves reducing wastage, improving efficiency in water usage, and implementing strategies to replenish and protect water sources.
Water Recycling and Reuse
Water recycling and reuse involve treating wastewater to make it suitable for various non-potable purposes, such as irrigation, industrial processes, and urban landscaping. Wastewater treatment plants treat sewage and industrial effluents, making the water suitable for reuse. This reduces the burden on freshwater resources and promotes sustainability.
Efficient Irrigation Techniques
Agriculture accounts for a significant share of water usage. Promoting efficient irrigation techniques such as drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, and laser levelling helps optimize water usage by delivering water directly to the roots of plants and minimizing evaporation losses.
Decentralized Treatment Systems and Constructed Wetlands
Implementing decentralized treatment systems and constructed wetlands can treat wastewater at its source, reducing the reliance on centralized treatment facilities. This not only conserves freshwater resources but also reduces the energy required to transport water over long distances.
Afforestation and Soil Conservation
Forests play a crucial role in regulating the water cycle by influencing rainfall patterns, reducing soil erosion, and maintaining groundwater recharge. Initiatives that promote afforestation and soil conservation, such as reforestation, agroforestry, and contour bunding, help preserve watersheds, enhance soil moisture retention, and prevent runoff.
Rainwater Harvesting
Rainwater harvesting involves collecting and storing rainwater for future use. This can be done through rooftop systems or artificial recharge of groundwater by directing rainwater into the ground. Rainwater harvesting systems are easy to install and economically feasible, making them a viable option for both industrial and domestic use.
Upgrading Operational Infrastructure
Industries that use water for decontamination, cleaning, and sanitizing can invest in high-quality filtration systems and energy-efficient alternatives for pipes, tanks, and nozzles. Residential and commercial units should also address leaking pipes and dripping taps, as they can lead to significant water wastage over time. Water-efficient appliances, such as eco-friendly washing machines and low-flow toilets, can dramatically reduce household water usage.
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Impact on flora, fauna and ecosystems
Greece is surrounded by the Ionian Sea to the west and the Aegean Sea to the east, both contributing to the country's rich natural environment. However, the country's waters and natural environment are under increasing pressure from various factors, including rapid urbanization, industrial and agricultural intensification, inefficient energy generation, and tourism expansion.
The impact of these pressures on flora, fauna, and ecosystems is significant. Firstly, inappropriate waste disposal and management practices can lead to the degradation of surface and groundwater, affecting the flora and fauna that depend on these water sources. For example, increased nitrate concentrations in groundwater bodies due to agricultural activities can have detrimental effects on aquatic plants and animals.
Secondly, the country's rich natural environment, including its forests, has been exploited by civilizations since ancient times. The expansion of Greek civilization and the population led to the destruction of forests for firewood, charcoal, and lumber, which has impacted the flora and fauna that depend on these ecosystems.
Thirdly, climate change and extreme weather conditions, such as flooding, drought, heatwaves, and storms, are also affecting flora, fauna, and ecosystems. The decreasing trend in precipitation, especially during the summer, is projected to impact fauna and flora, biodiversity, water resources, and sensitive ecosystems. Warmer temperatures put the Mediterranean's freshwater at risk, along with the flora and fauna that depend on it.
Additionally, the expansion of tourism and the development of infrastructure to support it have resulted in the neglect of the environment. Unplanned and careless development over the last 50 years has led to serious environmental problems in air, soil, rivers, lakes, protected areas, and sensitive ecosystems, impacting the flora and fauna that inhabit these areas.
Finally, Greece's efforts to increase water autonomy through desalination plants may lessen the environmental impact by reducing energy consumption. However, the extraction of groundwater faster than it can be naturally recharged in some areas, such as Crete and Corinth city, can have consequences for the ecosystems that rely on sustainable groundwater levels.
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Monitoring and research of water quality
Greece has a land area of 131,944 square kilometres and a population of 10.3 million (as of 1991), with about 90% living along the Mediterranean coastline. The country has a complex hydrogeological profile, with high spatial differences in morphologic, climatic, hydrographic, petrographic, and vegetative features. The major river systems are located in the northern part of the country and generally run from north to south. The largest rivers are the Axios, Aliakmonas, Achelos, Pinios, Evros, and Strymonas. The major lake areas are in the western part of Greece, with 14 lakes having a surface area exceeding 8 square kilometres.
The R1 programme aims to determine the level of pollution and the chemical composition of surface water used in agriculture. Monthly water samples are collected from approximately 250 sampling sites, primarily in the six largest river systems, and analysed for physical and chemical variables, including heavy metals. The data is reported to the Water Section.
The R2 programme monitors physico-chemical and microbiological variables in surface and coastal waters within the framework of national monitoring networks and in accordance with EU directives. Six laboratories take samples, perform analyses, and report the information to the Ministry of the Environment.
The National Network of Isotopes in Rivers in Greece project identifies dominant water pollution sources and their contribution to surface water quality. Other projects include the surveillance monitoring programme for the Ohrid Lake Watershed, which involves sampling and analysis of biological quality elements, surface water, and sediment in rivers to assess ecological and chemical characteristics.
Research has also been conducted on the quality of drinking water in various regions of Greece. Studies have evaluated water quality parameters against international drinking water standards, analysing factors such as temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, turbidity, total hardness, chloride, nitrate, dissolved oxygen, biological oxygen demand, ammonia, nickel, and lead.
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Frequently asked questions
Greece has a long coastline and many gulfs, with the Ionian Sea to the west and the Aegean Sea to the east. The quality of the water is monitored by the National Monitoring Programme for Surface Waters (R2), which includes the coastal waters. The programme has been operational since 1985 and includes the measurement of general water quality variables. While there is some pollution in the waters around Greece, it is not as polluted as one might expect given that over ten million tourists visit the mainland and islands each year.
Urbanisation, industrial activity, and agricultural practices are the main causes of water pollution in Greece. Inappropriate waste disposal and management practices can lead to the degradation of surface and groundwater. Climate change is also a factor, with extreme weather conditions and decreasing levels of precipitation impacting water quality.
Greece has implemented two national monitoring programmes for inland surface waters, R1 and R2, to determine the level of pollution and chemical composition of surface water used in agriculture. The R2 programme, in particular, focuses on physico-chemical and microbiological variables in surface and coastal waters. Additionally, Greece has designated 89 sensitive areas that require more stringent treatment of waste water, including nitrogen and phosphorus removal, to protect the environment and water quality.
Individuals can play a role in conserving water and reducing water pollution in Greece. Simple actions such as taking shorter showers, turning off faucets when not in use, and adopting water-saving technologies like high-efficiency showerheads and aerators can significantly reduce water consumption and stress.
