Heraklion, Crete’s largest city, is confronting a growing water crisis as its main reserves approach exhaustion, with current supplies expected to last only a few months, according to local authorities.
According to ekathimerini.com, the Aposelemis dam-its primary water source, with a total capacity of 25 million cubic meters-is now close to depletion. Only about 800,000 cubic meters of usable water remain from 1.8 million cubic meters, and this must supply not only Iraklio but also Hersonissos and Agios Nikolaos.
“These reserves are enough for about three months,” said Georgios Varouxakis, head of the Municipal Water Supply and Sewerage Enterprise of Heraklion.
Mayor Alexis Kalokairinos noted that the municipality requested emergency status on December 10, but has yet to receive a response.
With the dam nearly dry, the city has turned to more than 60 boreholes, which now provide roughly 80% of its water. However, officials warn this solution is unsustainable for a population of around 200,000.
“We are talking about more than 60 boreholes. It is a heavy system that cannot serve as the main water supply source for a city of 200,000 residents,” Kalokairinos added.
To address the crisis, Varouxakis estimated that around €5 million is required to drill additional boreholes and bring desalination units into operation.
“We are looking for funding…” he said.
Source: ekathimerini.com
