Greece’s independent Regulatory Authority for Energy, Waste and Water (RAAEY) is reportedly ready to declare two northern Dodecanese islands – Patmos and Leros – in a state of emergency due to a water shortage, while Attica prefecture may follow.

The latter encompasses the Athens-Piraeus agglomeration, which hosts roughly half of the country’s population and the “lion’s share” of economic activity in the east Mediterranean nation.

The regulatory authority is broaching the issue, with its board of directors to convene on Thursday, after recent studies show a dramatic drop in freshwater reserves in the two islands and for the greater Athens area.

The declaration of such a state of emergency is based on the latest hydrological data and scientific evidence and translates into an acceleration of procedures, studies and implementation of projects, instead of emergency measures affecting consumes.

The Athens Water and Sewerage (EYDAP) recently called on the ministry of environment and energy to proceed with the urgent activation of procedures to protect the Greek capital’s water supply.

Although the current autumn season has seen plentiful precipitation in northwest and western Greece, lower rainfall and snowfall in previous years have left reservoirs at record low levels, especially man-made Lake Mornos.