Kefalonia is one of the most popular destinations in Greece. During the summer months, the island attracts thousands of visitors seeking its endless beaches and the blue of the Ionian Sea, while over 30,000 permanent residents call it home. However, despite its beauty, Kefalonia faces a serious problem that affects the daily lives of its permanent residents and visitors alike: water scarcity, especially during the hot and dry summer months, like many other islands in our country.
Although Kefalonia has abundant water resources, ensuring an adequate and quality water supply is a challenge that concerns the local community. From frequent water cuts to the lack of drinking water in certain areas, the issue of water supply is a priority for residents and decision-makers. Residents often face problems as water does not flow with the desired stability, and they frequently need to seek alternative solutions for their needs. Additionally, some areas of the island suffer from a lack of drinking water, directly causing hygiene and comfort issues for their inhabitants. This problem becomes particularly evident during the summer months when the demand for water increases due to tourism, leaving areas unprotected in addressing the issue.
Meanwhile, the announcement of an increase in water prices in the Lixouri area has caused serious concern. This decision, announced in the municipal council, means that residents will have to face even greater financial burdens. Moreover, in Sami, one of the most popular areas of Kefalonia, the problem of water scarcity is particularly pronounced. Residents and visitors often encounter difficulties in accessing clean water, making it a crucial issue for the health and well-being of the area. Overall, Kefalonia is facing a significant water crisis, requiring immediate action and a future-oriented strategy to ensure the sustainability and prosperity of the island.
The problem of Sami
The issue of water supply in the Municipality of Sami in the Regional Unit of Kefalonia poses a serious challenge affecting many areas. From remote Municipal Communities like Karya and Vari, which have no access to water from a network, as a new water supply network is now under construction, to other areas where the existing network is unreliable and faces problems, the situation is worrying.
Specifically, in some areas, the water supply network is aged and problematic, resulting in constrictions due to salt presence and a decrease in water pressure. In other areas, the water supply to households is minimal, leading to water shortages for several days, while residents are forced to procure water from private sources with significant costs. Moreover, the tanks supplied with water from Lake Avythos are not subject to any control or cleaning, and many of them lack the necessary permits for water transportation. Therefore, the quality of water provided to residents is questionable and concerning.
Especially during the summer, with increased consumption due to tourist facilities and the need for water in households, the situation becomes even more pressing. Despite licenses issued for tourist facilities and pools, few measures are taken to serve the daily needs of residents. Thus, during the summer months, priority is given to tourist accommodations rather than the needs of permanent residents. The main obstacle is the high cost of water supply projects, which are often insurmountable for citizens and local authorities. Meanwhile, requests for the construction of protective dams and the utilization of traditional water supply methods have not received the response they deserve, neither from local authorities nor from the central government. Despite existing research and studies for the construction of dams, the execution of projects is not being carried out, despite their potential to provide water to the entire Municipality of Sami and even to Ithaca.
The problem of Paliki
Water supply is one of the most critical issues facing the residents of the Municipality of Lixouri in Kefalonia. The town of Lixouri and many Municipal Communities face serious water supply problems, as the available water is not potable and its quality is significantly degraded due to salinization of the aquifer. As a result, the lack of potable water is a constant reality, while interruptions in the water supply network are frequent, especially during the summer period.
The increased water consumption due to tourism constitutes an additional problem, as excessive demand further reduces pressure in the water supply network and causes interruptions in water supply to entire areas. Residents and farmers are served by tanks, with the procurement of water becoming increasingly expensive and difficult.
Amidst this crisis, efforts to solve the problem face obstacles and contradictions. Priority is often given to unhealthy solutions, such as desalination, which may have long-term impacts on the environment and the quality of life of residents. Meanwhile, the inability to resolve the problem creates feelings of insecurity among citizens, as the situation seems to remain unchanged despite successive government efforts. However, the solution appears to lie in the construction of three dams in the area of Paliki. The dams in the areas of Katogi, Lychnias, and Dellaportata are expected to provide a sustainable solution to the water supply problem, collecting and utilizing the abundant surface water sources in the area during the winter.
The studies for the construction of these dams have already been completed or are in an advanced stage, representing a significant initiative to solve the water supply problem in the Municipality of Lixouri. The completion and operation of these projects would bring substantial improvements in the quality of life for residents and would constitute a significant step towards sustainable water resource management in the area, yet the project has not progressed for years.
And as if all this were not enough, large increases in water bills in the Municipality of Lixouri were recently announced at the municipal council. Thus, in the context of the recent Municipal Council, Deputy Mayor Mr. A. Galatis specifically mentioned the need for increases in water charges to cover the debts of DEYAK and ensure its economic viability. These changes seem to be based on a decision by DEYAK, which is coordinated with the Municipal Authority, and aim to alleviate its financial problems by drawing money from residents' water bills. However, this choice brings a series of problems that threaten the economic well-being of households in Lixouri.
Increases in water bills come at a time when water is not even potable. Water supply itself faces serious quality issues, and solving these issues is more critical than ever. While authorities show determination in imposing new charges on residents, they do nothing to ensure the quality of the water provided. Areas without potable water often face issues of inadequate water supply, while plans to improve water supply usually remain unfulfilled.
The impending increase in water prices is expected to hit families and small businesses in Lixouri hard. While bills grow, the quality of water remains at an uncertain level, creating an atmosphere of concern and distrust in the community. While residents are facing this reality, the political establishment shows no interest or determination to intervene. Instead of protecting the interests of citizens, they seem to focus on other priorities, leaving households to face economic pressure on their own.
It is time for the competent authorities to take action to address this immediate and serious problem. The community of Lixouri deserves access to quality and affordable water, without facing unjustified increases in their bills. It is time to focus resources and efforts on finding solutions that serve the common good and protect the interests of citizens.
Water supply in Argostoli
Water supply in Argostoli may be in better condition than other areas of Kefalonia, but problems are still evident. Despite the water being potable, water interruptions are very frequent, especially during the summer period. Residents and businesses often face water shortages for extended periods, causing disruption and insecurity in their daily lives. Especially during the summer season, when demand for water is significantly higher due to tourism and daily needs, water interruptions intensify further, creating operational problems for both households and businesses. This situation highlights the need for improvement and reinforcement of the region's water distribution network to ensure a stable supply of high-quality water to all residents and visitors of the city.
Overall, the significant water supply problem in many areas of Kefalonia is evident, causing dissatisfaction among its residents. Addressing these problems is imperative. In the year 2024, where water is the most essential commodity, access to potable water for all people should be considered a given. The development of a reliable and sustainable water supply system should be a primary goal for Kefalonia. Only through the collaboration of municipal authorities, local stakeholders, and the community can this goal be achieved and ensure a sustainable future for the island's water supply.
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