British holidaymakers heading to Greece this summer have been issued a warning as seven major islands struggle with severe water shortages. A combination of extreme hot weather and an influx of peak-season tourists has pushed local water supplies to the brink, forcing local authorities to take drastic action.
Astypalaia Faces Second-Driest Season Since 2020
The picturesque island of Astypalaia is currently facing its second-driest season since 2020. Conditions have deteriorated so severely that the island is now relying almost entirely on bottled water for drinking. The crisis is worsened by the volume of holidaymakers arriving for the summer. On the 38-square-mile Dodecanese island alone, local infrastructure supports just 1,400 permanent residents. However, during peak summer months, that number skyrockets to between 32,000 and 70,000 tourists, placing unsustainable demand on dwindling water supplies.
Emergency Measures and Full List of Affected Islands
In response, local authorities have implemented emergency measures, including completely cutting off water irrigation for local farmers. The seven Greek islands that have declared an emergency are: Astypalaia, Alonnisos, Leros, Karpathos, Patmos, Symi, and Tinos. Similar issues have also been reported on the popular hotspot of Corfu, where the massive tourism boom has caused water consumption to quadruple.
Hotels Offer Incentives to Save Water
In a desperate bid to combat shortages, a number of hotels across the affected islands are introducing measures to cut back on water usage. One hotel is even offering guests €5 (£4.25) vouchers to spend if they opt out of daily room cleaning services, which reduces the amount of laundry and water required.
Greek Government Commits €15 Million for Infrastructure Upgrades
With experts warning that global rising temperatures could drastically worsen worldwide water shortages by 2049, the Greek Government has been forced to intervene. Officials have committed €15 million (£12.8 million) to urgently upgrade and secure water infrastructure across nine of the country's islands.
Other European Destinations Also Affected
Greece is not the only European destination feeling the strain this summer. The Netherlands also announced this week that it is facing a water crisis of its own, though officials have reassured locals and visitors that drinking water supplies remain unaffected.
