Athens water use surges despite drought

Athens has experienced a significant increase in water consumption in 2024, rising by 6.4% despite the severe drought conditions that have plagued the region for the past two years.

EYDAP, the water utility company, attributes this surge not only to the 15,000 new water connections - 30% more than in 2022 due to a construction boom - but also to a notable rise in garden irrigation in the northern and eastern suburbs.

Although the rise in water consumption is also seen as something positive, since it boosted its profitability, the company is actually concerned.

"We hope it will snow this year in the mountains of Nafpaktia," said EYDAP CEO Harry Sachinis, recalling that the water deficit in 2024 was 291 million cubic meters of water which was managed by activating EYDAP's boreholes in Mavrosouvala.

The main factor driving the increased consumption,...