The relevant minister on Thursday announced that a tiered billing system for water use that’s based more on consumption, in a bid to reduce waste amid rising concerns over shortages and even regional droughts. Minister of Environment and Energy Thodoros Skylakakis made the announcement during an appearance on Athens-based Skai TV, where he reassured that water prices will not increase.
With parts of country facing a water shortage crisis, especially high-tourism destinations and certain islands, there has been ongoing speculation regarding the measures to be implemented, including a hike in water prices by providers, all of whom are part of the wider public sector.
Given the situation, the minister called for ‘mindful consumption’, stating that “In a year from now, after assessing the winter conditions, we will consider what administrative measures to implement to reduce consumption”.
He also mentioned strategic projects to combat water scarcity, such as connecting to Lake Kremasta, in northwest Greece, with irrigation canals and man-made lakes further south, as well as even new desalination units.
He further clarified that the majority of the country does not face water availability issues. However, there are several challenges, such as outdated infrastructure and high pumping costs, particularly on the Aegean islands, eastern Crete, the eastern Peloponnese, and the greater Athens-Piraeus agglomeration, where roughly half of the country’s approximately 10 million residents live.
He further explained that by the end of the month, when a new Regulatory Water Authority is expected to be activated, all of the county’s 300 hundred water providers, including the greater Athens region’s EYDAP and Thessaloniki’s EYATh, will be monitored for pricing methods.
Full Cost Recovery as per European Directive
According to the minister, there will be full cost recovery, as required by the European directive. “Companies should not operate at a loss; therefore, they will be supported by the state with 250 million euros,” he said, adding that this intervention aims to reduce water consumption rather than increase it.
Additionally, Skylakakis mentioned that the Regulatory Water Authority will oversee whether providers have taken all necessary actions concerning the water network.
He also stated that water companies would be consolidated, creating an “water system for the islands,” without this implying any layoffs.
