Tinos island in the Cyclades is facing a severe water crisis, with its infrastructure unable to keep up with rapid tourism development.
According to an article of Alexia Kalaitzi in ekathimerini, several settlements, including Kardiani and Triantaros, have seen boreholes dry up, leaving the municipality to rely on tanker trucks to deliver water. Over the past year, 10 of the island’s 30 boreholes have stopped producing water.
Mayor Panagiotis Krontiras has announced plans to drill six new boreholes, but concerns remain over the outdated water supply network and significant leaks.
Many residents, especially in tourist-heavy areas, are witnessing the depletion of local water sources. Private boreholes, often used by holiday homes and hotels, are a contributing factor, and their lack of oversight raises questions about sustainability. Both the municipality and the regional authority admit to staff shortages that hinder effective monitoring of these private sources.
Experts argue that over-extraction of water is the primary issue, with unsustainable practices like garden irrigation and swimming pools exacerbating the situation. Some have called for a ban on such water-intensive developments.
Water scarcity in Tinos highlights the need for a comprehensive water management strategy that combines immediate and long-term solutions. Experts stress that the problem is systemic and requires an integrated approach, balancing technological advancements with the preservation of the island’s natural resources.
Source: ekathimerini
