Professor of Natural Disasters Konstantinos Synolakis addressed the water shortage problems facing Greece, emphasizing that “the problem is extremely large and it’s time we take it seriously.” Speaking on ERT News on Thursday morning (24/7), Synolakis clarified that not only has water consumption increased, but the available quantity has also decreased. According to him, in Athens, based on 2024 data, consumption has increased by approximately 10%, however in tourist areas consumption may have increased by up to 40%. He emphasized that the water shortage phenomenon is not improving over time.
Konstantinos Synolakis: 15% less rainfall expected by 2035
Additionally, the Professor of Natural Disasters pointed out that with existing meteorological models, authorities can forecast future conditions. According to the data, it is already known that by 2035 there will be 15% less rainfall. While the problem is nationwide, Attica faces an equally serious issue, as EYDAP’s reservoirs (Mornos and Yliki) are at very low levels.
The professor emphasized that utilizing water from Psyttaleia, where sewage is processed, is inevitable in the long term, and cited Singapore as an example. There, as Konstantinos Synolakis explained, the wastewater treatment plant water goes to reservoirs and mixes with surface water from rainfall, then undergoes the entire process again with additional purification.
What he said about water recycling
Furthermore, he mentioned that there is a possibility globally that we may reach the point of drinking water that has been purified from sewage, meaning water recycling would occur. Synolakis explained that there are two ways to achieve this, although he clarified we won’t see this until at least 2035 or 2040.
The first method, he said, is to enrich the aquifer, meaning water that enters the aquifer and is widely used for irrigation would gradually be filtered. The second method involves technology that allows mixing with water from rainwater or water existing in reservoirs.
The professor also emphasized that to prevent water loss during the process, smart meters exist so that EYDAP employees no longer need to go to specific locations for manual readings.
When asked about the tragic anniversary of the Mati wildfire, Konstantinos Synolakis mentioned that it resulted in the creation of the 112 emergency system (Greece was the first European country to implement it) and those responsible for the tragedy faced justice. He also referenced America, which on July 4th faced a flash flood in Texas, and despite meteorological service warnings, local Civil Protection failed to implement them, resulting in over 140 deaths.
