All a matter of infrastructure
Cycladic islands that have water supply infrastructure are not facing shortages, but some still face problems with water supply. On the island of Ios, it rained a lot in January, but the water table did not rise. «We had the largest rainfall in the last 100 years, but the water was not conserved as much as we would have liked,» said Mayor G. Poussaios. «The reservoir filled to overflowing, so we have suggested the construction of a second dam. Demand is continually increasing and we need extra work, such as one more desalination plant.» Tinos is also facing problems, even though the rain topped up the spring water supply and the desalination plant is working. The reservoir at Livada cannot be used because a construction error resulted in waste from the surrounding region being diverted into it. According to the island’s new mayor, Constantine Athinaios, a study is being carried out to resolve this problem. By 2005 a new dam under construction is expected to be completed. Kythnos also has a problem with water quality, not so much due to salination but to the characteristics of the subsoil which contains ferrous and sulfurous salts. «Our water is not drinkable,» said Mayor G. Martinos. The problem could be solved by desalinating spring water. We also need dams,» he said. Paros and Naxos have unprecedented water supplies this year, thanks to their reservoirs and dams. «Even our rivers are still flowing,» said Paros’s Mayor Costas Argouzis.