Greece, a nation known for its sun-drenched islands and ancient history, is facing a growing challenge: water scarcity. The intensifying climate crisis, characterized by unprecedented heat waves and persistent droughts, has strained Greece’s already limited water resources, particularly on its islands. In response, the country is making significant investments in water infrastructure, aiming to ensure long-term water security for its people and its thriving tourism industry.
The government has announced the construction of 18 new dams and has 14 more projects in the bidding phase. These ambitious projects aim to bolster Greece’s water infrastructure, preventing widespread water shortages in the future. The new dams will serve multiple purposes, providing critical water storage for agriculture, energy generation, and flood protection. This comprehensive approach reflects Greece’s understanding that water is a vital resource for its economic prosperity and environmental well-being.
The decision to invest heavily in dams comes as a result of the severe consequences of drought. Agricultural communities have struggled to maintain crops, energy generation has been impacted, and island populations have faced water restrictions. The increasing influx of tourists, a record-breaking trend in recent years, has placed even more strain on local water resources. The new dams are expected to provide much-needed relief to areas that have seen their resources strained by the seasonal influx of millions of visitors.
During the 4th Conference on Dams and Reservoirs, Greece’s Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Christos Staikouras, emphasized the urgency of addressing water scarcity. He highlighted that, while over 170 major dam projects are already operational across the country, this is not enough to meet current and projected water demand. The new dam projects are not just about meeting immediate needs; they are part of a long-term strategy to build climate resilience across Greece.
The construction of the 18 dams currently underway comes with a projected cost of 329 million euros ($363.34 million), while the 14 dams in the study phase are expected to require an investment of 626 million euros ($691.16 million). In total, these projects will cost Greece 955 million euros ($1.054 billion), a substantial investment in securing the country’s water future. These funds will go towards a variety of initiatives, from large-scale dams that will serve multiple regions to smaller, localized projects designed to address specific water needs.
The new dams are spread across the country, with several targeted towards Greece’s islands, which are particularly vulnerable to water scarcity. These regions rely heavily on imports of water from the mainland, which is not a sustainable or cost-effective solution. By investing in new dam projects on the islands, Greece aims to create a more self-sufficient water management system for these regions.
Tourism is a vital part of Greece’s economy, but the sheer number of tourists has contributed to water shortages in some areas, especially during the peak summer months when demand is highest. Greece has consistently broken records for tourist arrivals, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down. The influx of millions of visitors places significant pressure on local infrastructure, with water being one of the most heavily impacted resources. The new dam projects are critical to maintaining a balance between tourism growth and sustainable water management.
Islands that are particularly dependent on tourism, such as Crete, Rhodes, and Santorini, have experienced acute water shortages during the summer, as the infrastructure in place is not equipped to handle the simultaneous demands of local populations and tourists. The new dams will help alleviate this pressure, ensuring that tourism can continue to flourish without threatening the water supply.
The need for improved water infrastructure in Greece was underscored by recent weather events that have exposed vulnerabilities in the existing system. In September 2023, a massive storm dumped record rainfall across Greece, with some regions experiencing the heaviest downpour in 32 years. While this brought much-needed water to certain areas, the extreme event also highlighted the challenges of managing such unpredictable weather patterns.
Despite the storm, 2024 has seen such limited rainfall that the Mornos Reservoir, one of the country’s key water sources, has dropped to alarmingly low levels. The water level has receded so much that parts of the submerged village of Kallio, which was flooded to create the reservoir in 1949, are now visible above the waterline. This event has been a stark reminder of Greece’s vulnerability to both drought and flooding, and the importance of investing in infrastructure that can help balance these extremes.
The Mornos Reservoir, which was created by constructing a dam on the Moros River, is one of Greece’s largest artificial water bodies, covering 15.5 square kilometers (6 square miles). It plays a crucial role in supplying water to Athens and other regions, making its decline in water levels particularly concerning. The newly announced dam projects will supplement reservoirs like Mornos, ensuring a more stable water supply even during dry years.
As climate change continues to alter weather patterns around the world, Greece is taking proactive steps to ensure that its water resources are protected. The construction of new dams, alongside the expansion of existing water infrastructure, represents a forward-thinking approach to water management. By addressing the root causes of water scarcity and building the capacity to store and distribute water more effectively, Greece is preparing for a future in which climate resilience is key to survival.
The country’s focus on multi-purpose dam projects, which serve agriculture, energy generation, and flood protection, reflects the understanding that water is central to many aspects of life. In addition to providing water for crops, these dams will help support energy production in a country where renewable energy is becoming increasingly important. Moreover, the flood control measures included in these projects will help protect communities from the type of extreme weather that has become more common in recent years.
As the country continues to face challenges brought on by climate change, the investments in water infrastructure will play a critical role in ensuring that Greece’s population and economy can thrive. With a total investment of over 955 million euros, the construction of 18 new dams and the development of 14 more are key steps toward a more sustainable and secure water future for Greece. In the coming years, the success of these projects will be closely watched, as other countries facing similar water challenges may look to Greece as a model for effective climate adaptation. For Greece, the stakes are high, but with the right investments and strategies in place, the country is well-positioned to navigate the challenges of an increasingly unpredictable world.
