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The Kifissos River, the Attica Basin\u2019s primary floodwater conduit, is dangerously close to exceeding its capacity, experts warned at a conference hosted by \u201cFlow Association \u2013 Citizens for Streams.\u201d<\/p>\n
Immediate measures, such as upstream natural water retention and enhanced rainwater infiltration in urban areas, are needed to mitigate risks.<\/p>\n
Hydrogeologist Dimitris Zarris revealed findings of a third underground \u201clake\u201d caused by erosion in the Kifissos\u2019 concrete-lined bed.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo one expected concrete to erode. A small defect in the cement suffices \u2013 water pressure then destroys the riverbed, forming these lakes,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n
Zarris noted the river\u2019s flow capacity stands at 1,400 m\u00b3\/sec, but under extreme weather, volumes could exceed 2,200 m\u00b3\/sec, leading to overflows in Faliro, Moschato, and upstream areas like Kokkinos Mylos.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe must reduce peak water flow during heavy rainstorms,\u201d he said, urging \u201cnatural\u201d interventions near the Kifissos\u2019 source and improved urban drainage systems.<\/p>\n
Municipalities should expand permeable surfaces, such as sidewalks and parking lots, to allow more water infiltration.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery municipality could aim to cut stormwater runoff by 20% within a decade,\u201d Zarris added.<\/p>\n
Conference participants criticized state policies favoring concrete canalization, such as recent plans to underground the Stamatis stream in Dionysos, calling them counterproductive.<\/p>\n
\u201cTaxpayers pay for solutions that encourage illegal construction,\u201d Zarris remarked.<\/p>\n
Highlighting past flood catastrophes, Christina Filippa of the association said, \u201cI am afraid that the problem is still relevant, as is our commitment to primitive techniques for the streams.\u201d<\/p>\n
While praising Attica\u2019s recent flood master plan for cataloguing infrastructure, attendees noted it lacks innovative approaches that preserve natural stream environments. European flood control methods, prioritizing natural systems over technical fixes, were cited as the gold standard.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n