At least €10 billion in infrastructure investments are needed to address water shortages by 2030, according to Greece’s General Secretary for Natural Environment and Water, Petros Varelidis. These funds are not currently available in the state budget, leading the government to seek additional financing sources, even from areas unrelated to water.
Speaking at an international workshop in Athens organized by the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE), Greece’s largest water supply, sewerage and wastewater treatment company (EYDAP), and other institutions, Varelidis emphasized that water is becoming a priority over other needs, prompting resource reallocation.
The General Secretary noted that the 280 water providers across Greece will need to contribute financially, meaning water prices will incorporate some of the project costs. “In some cases, this will mean an increase in water prices,” Varelidis explained. He also pointed out the inefficiency in water management, noting that in some areas, non-invoiced water loss reaches 60%. Reducing this to 30% could save substantial resources.
Moreover, some water providers report 99% of water as non-invoiced, either due to errors, irrigation without charge, or even water theft. Varelidis stressed that the taxpayer should not bear the cost, and proper regulation is needed.
According to Haris Sachinis, CEO of EYDAP, the company will be among the first to adopt the new regulatory framework. The Regulatory Authority for Waste, Energy, and Water (RAAEY) is currently assessing the data to calculate EYDAP’s permissible revenue, which will determine new tariffs. The new regulations mandate that investments made must yield returns and that necessary projects are prioritized.
The government’s plan includes creating two strong water supply entities: EYDAP and EYATH. Smaller providers will be encouraged to merge voluntarily to strengthen their capacity. Emergency projects on islands facing severe water shortages will be prioritized, with funding contingent on water providers demonstrating operational competence.
By June, the Ministry of Environment and Energy (YPEN) will finalize the package of measures and projects to address water scarcity in Attica, with a timeline to see tangible results within two years.
However, the island facing the most significant challenge is Corfu, despite being the rainiest region in Greece. Last summer, during peak tourist season, the island struggled with water supply interruptions. The problem stems from chronic mismanagement and delayed maintenance, which has left the island’s water infrastructure inadequate to meet demand.
In contrast, the eastern and southern regions of Greece, particularly the Aegean Islands, continue to face more severe drought conditions compared to the western parts of the country.
Varelidis pointed out that it is paradoxical for Corfu, with its high annual rainfall, to suffer from water scarcity. The issue lies in long-term management failures and the lack of timely infrastructure upgrades.
