Tap water on the Greek island of Aegina has been declared unsuitable for all uses, following laboratory analyses that detected contamination above permitted safety limits.
The Athens’ Water Supply and Sewerage Company (EYDAP), the public utility responsible for supplying drinking water and managing sewage and wastewater treatment for Athens and Attica, confirmed that the underwater pipeline supplying the island with water is currently out of service.
According to the Attica Region, five of six water samples taken from Aegina’s distribution network contained coliform bacteria in concentrations exceeding allowable limits. In three samples, residual chlorine levels were also found to be below required thresholds, a responsibility attributed to the Municipality of Aegina.
Aegina residents have reported skin and eye irritations, prompting further scrutiny by health authorities. Regional officials have urged the municipality to take immediate corrective action and to identify alternative, safe sources of water supply.
The current disruption began in December, when the underwater pipeline, Aegina’s main source of potable water, was taken out of operation. The infrastructure has suffered repeated failures in recent years, requiring frequent repairs.
Based on the results of samples collected on January 14, 2026 from six water supply points, authorities ordered that water from specific wells not be used. The ban applies to drinking, personal hygiene, manufacturing or marketing products intended for human consumption, and any use involving direct or indirect human contact.
Aegina, home to a sizeable permanent population, is also a popular year-round tourist destination due to its proximity to Athens.
