Drought hits Athens; experts warn of water supply collapse

The main water supply system for Athens is under increasing pressure as the Mornos reservoir, the primary source of drinking water for the capital, is at its lowest levels.

A study by the National Observatory of Athens reveals that the water level in the reservoir has reached a critical point for the second time in two decades.

According to the study, the Mornos reservoir is operating at about 60–65% of its capacity, marking a continuous decline since 2022 when it was nearly full.

Only in 2008 was there a smaller surface area recorded in the same month.

The secondary reservoir, Evinos, has also been severely affected. In May 2025, its surface area dropped to 2.3 km², well below full capacity.

Both reservoirs currently stand at around 60% capacity, reflecting accumulated drought conditions, low rainfall, and high thermal stress.

Experts warn that the study signals a troubling situation for the future.

Greece’s capital, with a population of over 3.6 million, increasingly demands more water due to tourism and urban expansion.

Although climate data for 2025 show slight improvement, experts caution about a possible weakening of the watershed feeding the reservoirs.

The report calls for urgent government intervention to prevent a worsening situation amid the impacts of global warming.

“KORÇA BOOM”