EYDAP mobilizes reserves and a special action plan for the water supply of Attica, throwing into the battle Yliki and the boreholes in Mavrosouvala as the lack of rainfall depletes the water reserves.
With the lack of water showing its teeth, EYDAP activates additional sources to strengthen the capital’s water supply network. These “sources” are the boreholes of Mavrosouvala, north of Parnitha and the springs in the wider area of Attikovoiotia. Also, water is pumped from the reserves of the reservoirs of Lake Ylikis, which had stopped being used for over 15 years
At the same time, the decrease in water reserves in Mornos, which supplies water to Attica, is ringing alarm bells.
However, EYDAP has also prepared a second phase plan, which will be activated depending on the picture of the next hydrological periods, i.e. from September to March. With today’s data, there are water reserves for at least one three years.
Among the mid-term solutions that have fallen on the table are the inclusion of new reservoirs in the water supply system, the enrichment of the underground aquifer with recycled water from the Wastewater Treatment Centers and desalination, alternative scenarios with an estimated cost of 500 to 750 million euros.
“We were prepared, the rains are key”
“We must be clear, at the moment Attica does not face a water shortage problem like other regions of Greece, no one will turn on the tap in Athens and there will be no water, EYDAP has for two years made sure to prepare for the situation we are facing today (the reduction of water reserves). The signs were there, that is why we had drawn up a plan in time which we are implementing today with Yliki and the drilling in Mavrosouvala, we are managing the issue that has arisen with the reduction of reserves in the reservoirs, a problem that has arisen due to the lack of rainfall. Attica is almost exclusively supplied with water from Evinos, Mornos. We hope that when autumn comes we will have rains, even if they are reduced, the rains will help us gain time”, notes the president of EYDAP, Giorgos Stergiou, to the “Economic Postman”.
“No increase in tariffs” – The long-term solutions
“In any case, we are also working out more medium-long-term solutions (even in a twenty-year horizon) such as desalination (they will not solve the problem but will help manage it), the introduction of new reservoirs into the system and a taboo subject which is beneficiation of the aquifer with recycled water, today this is already done not for drinking water but mainly for irrigation. In Singapore, 1/3 of the drinking water consumed comes from recycling”, he notes while appearing categorical that the reduction of water reserves “will not bring about any increase in the tariffs paid by consumers, Greece has one of the cheapest tariffs in the world, no there has been no increase for 15 years,” he argues.
The alliance with the EIB
It is recalled that EIB’s technical advisory support, EIB Advisory, will help EYDAP to manage climate risks, such as water scarcity, drought and heatwaves, as it serves a population of 4.4 million inhabitants and operates a pipeline network of 14,500 kilometers.
The agreement falls under the scope of the InvestEU Advisory Hub and provides that the EIB’s technical assistance services will support EYDAP in prioritizing actions and implementing portfolio projects in the context of the strategy it has developed to optimize efficiency as part of the adaptation to climate change.
What should citizens do?
Among other things, EYDAP urges for judicious use and avoidance of unnecessary waste of water, through 8 recommendations which are:
1. Avoid washing balconies and terraces with the hose, especially in the afternoon.
2. Fix leaky faucets or cisterns. About 1 liter of water is lost every 10 minutes from dripping taps.
3. Water your balcony plants and flowers during the morning or evening hours (after 22.00) and preferably with a watering can, when the temperatures are lower and the water does not evaporate.
4.Turn off the tap when bathing, brushing teeth, shaving or washing dishes.
5. Operate the dishwasher or washing machine only when it is full and preferably in the evening hours (after 22.00).
6. Select the lowest consumption level in the cisterns.
7.Use water collected from the air conditioner or dehumidifier to water potted plants.
8. Prefer showering to filling the bathtub.
Investments of 2 billion euros
In addition, with Eastern Attica at the tip of its investment spearhead, EYDAP is forging ahead for the radical upgrade of the sewerage network in the region which, after itching for years, is acquiring modern infrastructure.
In this light, the company is promoting investments reaching 2 billion euros with the aim of completing them within a decade.
The investment program (to be financed mainly with EU funds, borrowing and equity) concerns major drainage projects in Eastern Attica, water supply network projects (installations of new services, water supply network works, extensions, improvements and replacements) and the drainage network ( construction of real estate connections & secondary sewage network), extensions, upgrading of existing and creation of new Wastewater Treatment Centers (WTPs).
Source OT
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