Despite drought, Athens water supply is secured
Although 2001 has been one of the worst years in the past decade as far as the replenishment of the capital’s water reserves is concerned, Athens is not expected to suffer shortages in the immediate future, a top water company official said yesterday. Dionysis Xenos, managing director of the Athens Water Company (EYDAP), told Kathimerini that reserves have dwindled to nearly half of last year’s level, reaching 444 million cubic meters of water. At the same time, inflows fell to 194 million cubic meters, which is dangerously close to the 150 million cubic meters collected in 1989-1990, when a major drought prompted the government to launch a strict campaign to economize on water. Fears of a new drought prompted EYDAP officials earlier this year to consider raising the price of water. But, according to Xenos, the situation improved considerably over the past two months. Furthermore, when the Evinos dam comes into operation in October, it will supply EYDAP reservoirs with enough water to cover 35-40 percent of the capital’s requirements. The capital’s water supplies are secure, even if this winter is as dry as the last one, Xenos said.
