With rainfall 12% below average in recent decades and regions such as Crete and the Aegean Islands facing water shortages, hotels in Greece may adopt seawater in their swimming pools to cope with the worst drought in recent years.
Greece, known for its stunning islands and turquoise seas, is facing a new challenge that could change the tourist experience in the country. With a worsening water crisis, a bill is suggesting that hotels fill their swimming pools with seawater. The move, while controversial, reflects the gravity of the situation.
But is this idea viable? Or it would only be a palliative solution which can bring even bigger problems?
Drought in Greece: a growing problem
Greece has been experiencing critical levels of drought for the past two years. Rainfall has been in steady decline, with the annual average falling by 12 percent between 1971 and 2020, according to the National Observatory of Athens. The worst-affected regions include the famous Aegean Islands and Crete, which have lost about 20 percent of their average rainfall.
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This situation has already impacted tourist areas, such as Lake Picrolimni, which has completely dried up. This crisis not only threatens the environment, but also the sector that is the heart of the Greek economy: tourism.
Seawater pools: solution or problem?
The new bill proposes installing pipelines to pump seawater into hotel pools, relieving pressure on water resources. The idea is to redirect drinking water to other, more essential urban uses.
However, not everyone is convinced. Critics point to the lack of clear standards for the disposal of water treated with chemicals. The impact on the marine ecosystem and the aesthetics of beaches are also issues raised.
Environmental impacts in focus
Saltwater, when disinfected with chlorine, can become a risk to marine life. Fish and other organisms can be affected by the release of chlorine into the sea. Experts suggest that the project should include measures such as mandatory dichlorination before discharge.
Additionally, there are concerns about the possibility of sewage ending up being dumped along with the pool water, which has happened in previous cases.”It is necessary to balance the benefit for tourists while protecting the environment,” comments Elias Nokas, Director of Water Resources.
The opinion of experts and the public
While the government defends the proposal as a way to preserve drinking water, critics argue that the impact of the pools is overestimated. On islands such as Mykonos and Paros, pools consume just 6% of available water resources, according to studies.
The local population and environmentalists are calling for more sustainable solutions, such as the use of desalination technology, which is already used on some islands but still faces high costs and implementation challenges.
Challenges and the future of sustainability in Greece
Tourism is a double-edged sword for Greece. It is essential for the economy, but it also puts enormous pressure on natural resources. It is time to rethink the tourism model and adopt more sustainable practices.
Measures such as raising awareness among tourists, greater investment in infrastructure Water and the use of renewable energy could be key to ensuring that Greece remains a sustainable paradise for both visitors and residents.