Last week’s downpours from Storm Byron brought a brief surge in rainfall across Attica, but the extreme weather failed to replenish the region’s depleted water reserves, experts warn.

Data from the METEO/EAA meteorological network show that between December 3 and 6, rainfall reached just 43 millimeters at the Koniakos station and 49 millimeters at the Mornos Dam, Athens’ primary water source. The amounts, though notable for early December, fell far short of what is needed to reverse months of below-average rain fall.

While the Athens Water & Sewerage Company (EYDAP) confirmed a modest rise in reservoir levels, the increase remains insufficient to ease the ongoing shortage alert. Total reserves stood at 369.7 million cubic meters on November 9. Following Byron’s passage, they climbed to 399.8 million cubic meters as of December 9, an increase of roughly 30 million cubic meters which is still considered “extremely low” by officials.

Meteorologists note that cumulative rainfall for the year remains significantly below the 10-year seasonal average, raising concerns about continued water stress if the trend persists through winter.

In the fall, Greek authorities tabled three strategies to tackle a possible water crisis in Athens, which include river diversions, groundwater extractions, and emergency desalination plants.