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The Ministry of Environment and Energy is implementing a broad programme for the integrated management of water resources, with 103 projects already approved across 63 municipalities at a total cost of approximately \u20ac142 million.<\/p>\n
The projects aim to upgrade water infrastructure, reduce losses and improve the country\u2019s ability to manage increasingly limited water resources.<\/p>\n
The interventions cover both mainland and island regions, including Central Macedonia, Epirus, Thessaly, Central Greece, the Dodecanese, Cyclades, Ionian Islands and the Peloponnese.<\/p>\n
According to government planning, almost one in five municipalities in Greece has already benefited or will soon benefit from the projects, while additional investments worth \u20ac50 million are expected to launch in the coming period.<\/p>\n
National water strategy moves forward<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n The Ministry of Environment and Energy says the projects form part of a wider national strategy covering the entire water cycle, from drinking water supply and irrigation to wastewater management.<\/p>\n The government recently placed Greece\u2019s first National Water Strategy into public consultation, aiming to create a long-term framework for sustainable water resource management.<\/p>\n At the same time, the ministry is promoting the biggest institutional reform in Greece\u2019s water supply and wastewater sector to date.<\/p>\n Under the proposed legislation, the forces of 70 water service providers will merge into two major organisations: EYDAP and EYATH.<\/p>\n Currently, Greece has more than 735 water management bodies, creating fragmentation and contributing to significant water losses.<\/p>\n The reform aims to create a more organised, resilient and fair system that delivers safer, higher-quality and affordable water services.<\/p>\n Among the key projects receiving funding are:<\/p>\n New water network in Pylaia-Chortiatis<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n The Municipality of Pylaia-Chortiatis in Central Macedonia will receive a new external water supply network worth nearly \u20ac13 million.<\/p>\n The project will provide an additional 20,000 cubic metres of water per day, eliminating the need for groundwater wells and securing supply for more than 40,000 residents.<\/p>\n The network will also support the new Pediatric University Hospital \u201cStavros Niarchos\u201d Foundation facility being completed in Filyro.<\/p>\n Mayor Ignatios Kaitezidis described the project as a historic achievement after decades of demands from local residents.<\/p>\n \u201cThe future of water is being written today. Our decisions determine the future of our children,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Water supply upgrade in Messini<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n The Municipality of Messini in the Peloponnese is replacing the external water network from the Agios Floros springsto Messini.<\/p>\n The \u20ac5.6 million project includes a 16.7-kilometre pipeline serving several settlements and improving drinking water quality.<\/p>\n Mayor Georgios Athanasopoulos said the project would secure Messini\u2019s water supply for the next 50 years, while reducing reliance on new wells and limiting losses.<\/p>\n Desalination units for Leros<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n The island of Leros will receive two new desalination plants with a combined capacity of 2,000 cubic metres of drinking water per day.<\/p>\n The \u20ac4 million project also includes new pipelines to transport treated water across the island.<\/p>\n Mayor Timotheos Kottakis said the project would solve a long-standing water shortage problem.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen completed, all water supplies on the island will have desalinated drinking water,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Water network separation in Kileler<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n The Municipality of Kileler in Thessaly is upgrading its water system through a \u20ac5.4 million project.<\/p>\n The initiative will separate drinking water and irrigation networks in the community of Nikaia, reducing leaks and preventing drinking water from being used for gardens and public green spaces.<\/p>\n Mayor Athanasios Nasiakopoulos said the project would improve water efficiency and protect this valuable public resource.<\/p>\n Underwater pipeline to Palea Trikeri<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n The Municipality of South Pelion will construct an underwater drinking water pipeline connecting Alogoporos Trikeriwith the island of Palea Trikeri.<\/p>\n The \u20ac2 million project will solve major water supply challenges while also improving the island\u2019s fire protection capabilities.<\/p>\n Mayor Michail Mitzikos described the project as a landmark investment for the municipality.<\/p>\n Climate pressure increases urgency<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n Greek authorities say water shortages have become one of the most serious consequences of climate change, requiring coordinated national action.<\/p>\n The government argues that modernising networks, expanding desalination capacity and improving water management will be essential to securing reliable supplies for communities across Greece.<\/p>\n With rising demand, declining rainfall and increasing pressure on water resources, officials say the country\u2019s approach must shift from emergency responses to long-term sustainable management.<\/p>\n