A Tough Summer in Greece: Seven Islands Declare State of Emergency Due to Drought.

This year’s summer has brought severe water shortages to the Greek islands. Following months of little to no rain and extreme heatwaves, local authorities across seven popular islands have declared a state of emergency.

The shortage of fresh water, combined with a heavy influx of tourists during peak season, has caused local water reserves to shrink at an alarming rate.

Which islands are affected?
The state of emergency applies to Astypalea, Tinos, Alonissos, Leros, Patmos, Symi, and Karpathos.

Most of these islands experienced an unusually dry winter, leaving rainwater reservoirs practically empty. On Astypalea, water levels in the main reservoir have dropped to a mere fraction of their total capacity.

What does this mean for locals and visitors?
Authorities are putting emergency measures in place to prevent a complete collapse of the water supply. Key restrictions and guidelines include:

• Restrictions on watering and filling pools: Water use for agriculture and recreation has been scaled back significantly. Farmers have had to adapt by using brackish water from local wells. 

• Conservation calls in hotels: Accommodation providers are encouraging guests to take shorter showers. Some hotels are offering small vouchers or discounts to guests who opt out of daily room cleaning and towel changes. 

• Reliance on desalinated and bottled water: Extra mobile desalination units are being shipped to the islands, while drinking water for daily use comes mostly from bottled supplies.

The Greek government has allocated additional funds to upgrade the water grid and install modern desalination plants. In the meantime, officials are urging everyone on the islands to use every drop of water as carefully as possible.