Two Greek islands in the western and central Aegean Sea have been declared to be in state of emergency over water scarcity.
The islands of Alonissos in the Sporades group and of Tinos in the Cyclades declared in state of emergency over water shortages for three months following approval by the Regulatory Authority for Energy, Waste and Water (RAAEY) and the Secretary General for Insular Policy and Aegean on Wednesday, june 17, 2026.
The decision, signed by Environment and Energy Minister Stavros Papastavrou, also extends the state of emergency over water scarcity on Meganisi, south-east of Lelfkada in the Ionian Sea for a further three months.
The measure aims to tackle the effects of prolonged drought and heightened water demand, especially on islands during the summer.
The state of emergency allows competent authorities to move more quickly to implement interventions and projects to ensure adequate water supply and meet the needs of residents and visitors.
water on the islands has been a very long running issue. I first came to Greece amost 50 yeasr ago abd we were told to get a yellow jaundice innoculation. The reason given was that oil tankers were flushed out and used to deliver “drinking water” to the islands. |Water supply is becoming a big problem around the world for various reasons but most of them we can do nothing about. Using seawater for pools would help but probably the most damaging issu is old, broken and inadequate infrastructure so that should be the priority.