Crete continues to grapple with a severe water shortage due to insufficient rainfall and minimal snowfall during the winter months. The island’s water reserves have not been adequately replenished, leaving the region vulnerable as summer approaches. Strong winds and sporadic showers have done little to restore water levels, increasing the urgency of conservation efforts.

Aposelemis Reservoir and Water Allocation

To manage available resources efficiently, officials have announced that water supply from the Aposelemis reservoir will be restricted until at least mid-April. Authorities aim to reserve enough water to meet the high demand from both residents and the influx of tourists expected in the peak summer season. Municipalities are now strategizing on how best to utilize existing reserves in the coming months.

Municipalities on High Alert

Local governments, including those of Agios Nikolaos, Ierapetra, Heraklion, and Hersonissos, have been urged to take responsibility for water conservation. With increasing consumer demand, municipalities must balance household necessities with the broader need for resource preservation. However, concerns persist over excessive water use by homeowners, which adds strain to an already fragile infrastructure.

Experts, such as Giorgos Vourexakis from Heraklion’s municipal water authority, emphasize the difficulty of the situation. Although there has been occasional rainfall, it has been insufficient to replenish aquifers. Authorities plan to extend water conservation strategies until at least May to ensure sustainable water management during the peak summer months.

Efforts to Secure Water Access

A series of inter-municipal discussions have highlighted strategies to bolster water supplies, including drilling deeper to access underground reserves. While deep drilling is costly and unpredictable, new boreholes are being considered in areas such as Agios Myron and Vasilies. However, these projects face significant financial hurdles. The central government’s allocation of €150,000 per municipality falls short of the estimated €250,000 needed per borehole, forcing officials to explore alternative solutions.

In Heraklion alone, 63 boreholes currently supply water, and additional drilling is being planned where feasible. However, engineers face uncertainty, as deep drilling in locations like Mount Youchtas often requires depths of 400 meters, making it expensive and potentially ineffective.

Tourism and Water Consumption

With summer tourism on the rise, authorities are also looking at ways to manage water consumption by visitors. The demand for water has shifted, with peak usage now occurring in September and October rather than the traditional summer months of July and August. The growing number of short-term rental properties, such as Airbnb listings, has contributed to this change.

To address this, local authorities are collaborating with rental property owners to encourage water conservation among tourists. Strategies include:

• Placing visible reminders in accommodations urging responsible water use.
• Providing simple tips to reduce consumption, such as taking shorter showers and limiting unnecessary laundry.

The Role of Pools and Gardens

Concerns about water usage for swimming pools have been raised, but reports suggest that most pool owners in areas like Vasilies and Agios Ioannis limit water use during the off-season. However, suburban gardens and home vegetable patches continue to consume a significant amount of water. Residents are encouraged to prioritize essential water use and adopt sustainable irrigation methods such as drip irrigation, which reduces wastage and lowers costs.

Desalination: A Long-Term Solution?

Discussions about desalinating water from the Almyros River have gained traction, with preliminary studies nearing completion. The project involves significant infrastructure investment, including an 8-kilometer pipeline to transport desalinated water. Estimated costs are as follows:

• €0.18 per cubic meter for desalination.
• €0.50-€0.55 per cubic meter when factoring in energy and distribution costs.

If the project proves viable, desalinated water could supplement Heraklion’s supply, supporting efforts such as the Aposelemis Dam expansion.

Funding Challenges and Infrastructure Upgrades

Heraklion’s municipal water authority, DEYA, has been working on multiple initiatives, including pipeline replacements and digital water meter installations. However, funding delays have slowed progress, particularly in areas like Ilioupoli, where construction has stalled since 2021 due to a €2 million shortfall. Authorities are advocating for financial approvals to expedite completion before the summer of 2025.

To modernize water management, DEYA is installing 18,000 digital water meters with backing from the Ministry of Development. These devices will improve monitoring and help enforce fair pricing and responsible consumption.

Addressing Crete’s water crisis requires a coordinated effort from municipalities, residents, and the tourism sector. Conservation measures, infrastructure improvements, and potential desalination projects all play a crucial role in ensuring sustainable water access. With peak tourist season approaching, responsible water use remains more critical than ever to protect Crete’s limited resources.