Tap water on Aegina remains unsafe for any use

Tap water on the island of Aegina has been found to be unsuitable and  unsafe for any use for more than six weeks following a failure in the island’s underwater water supply pipeline.

Official analyses carried out by the Regional government in January indicated the water was completely unsuitable for any use such as  drinking, cooking or washing due to coliform bacteria above the limit.

Coliform bacteria will not likely cause illness, however, their presence in drinking water indicates that disease-causing organisms (pathogens) could be in the water system.

Concentrations above the limit in total coliform bacteria were found in five out of six samples taken. The municipality was called upon to take immediate corrective actions. However, these actions have not been taken yet, media reported on February 3, 2026.

It should be noted that underwater pipeline that supplies the island with water from the mainland has been out of operation since December 16, 2025, due to a damage. Restoration was expected to be concluded by end of February.

At the request of local bodies from the Municipality of Aegina, the Attica Region proceeded on January 14 to carry out chemical and microbiological analyses and quality control of the samples of the boreholes that supply the island with water, media reported last week. Regarding the methodology, six points that are supplied with water from different boreholes were selected.

Meanwhile, residents have reported skin irritation and eye problems from using the water, with many relying on bottled water even for basic needs.

Local authorities have yet to provide a timeline for repairs and health officials continue to urge caution.

Located in the Saronic Gulf and 15 nautical miles (28 km) from the port of Piraeus, the island of Aegina is a popular destination for Athenians with many of them to have summer houses there as well as for foreign tourists.

The island was supplied with water tank vessels or through boreholes and managed to get a direct connection with underwater pipeline at the end of 2021, overcoming obstacles after more than a century.

“Probably after the pipeline connection, local authorities did not do any maintenance in the boreholes system and here we are,” said a friend of mine who has a second home there.