2005 - 2006 - Pinsent Masons Water Yearbook 2012

GREECE PART 2: COUNTRY ANALYSIS
Freshwater
Annual availability (1998) 45.2km 3
Per capita 6,562m 3
Annual withdrawal (1990) 7.0km 3
Domestic 16%
Industrial 3%
Agriculture 81%
Water issues
Groundwater depletion and salination is widespread, especially at Patras, Iraklia, Alexanpolis and
Preveza. Groundwater depletion is also taking place in Thessaloniki (1 million inhabitants). Athens
is fed by canals and tunnels from a network of rivers and dams (3.5 million inhabitants).
Approximately 4.141 million people in central Greece face regular water shortages.
Inland water quality (1986, estimate)
Ia-Very Good 20%
Ib-Good 40%
II-Fair 20%
III-Poor 15%
IV-Bad 5%
In 1993, the government started moves to restrict water usage. The first 60m 3 per annum per
household is charged at a basic rate. Any water used above 400m 3 per annum per household is
charged at 20 times that rate. The law No 1665/80 of 1980 established state funded water and
sewerage corporations. These are either self standing entities for large cities or municipally run
entities. These corporations are now being grouped, so as to encourage EU and private sector
funding. It is likely that private partners will be encouraged to enter the sector in the short to medium
term.
Groundwater
Annual availability (1998) 2.5km 3
Per capita 237m 3
Annual withdrawal (1980) 1.9km 3
Domestic 13%
Industrial 3%
Agriculture 85%
MAJOR CITIES
City 2000 2015 Comments
Athens 3,116,000 3,138,000 EYDAP partially floated in 2000
Thessaloniki 789,000 825,000 EYATH partially floated in 2001
Private sector contracts awarded (Please see the relevant company entry for details)
Location Contract Company
Athens 20 year water and sewerage concession EYDAP
Thessaloniki 25 year water and sewerage concession EYATH
103 Pinsent Masons Water Yearbook 2005 – 2006