Why is Lake Marathon's water level so low?

Lake Marathon's water level is critically low due to three consecutive years of significant drought and declining rainfall across Greece.

What is EYDAP doing about Athens' water shortage?

EYDAP is investing 2.5 billion euros over ten years to reduce water loss, replace pipes, install smart meters, and increase wastewater reuse.

Has Greece declared a water emergency?

Yes, authorities declared a water emergency in Athens in November 2025 due to the dramatic drop in reservoir levels.

Home / Environment / Greece Faces Water Crisis: Lake Marathon Critically Low

Greece Faces Water Crisis: Lake Marathon Critically Low

6 Jan

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Summary

Athens water reserves dropped dramatically to 390 million cubic meters.
A decade-long, 2.5 billion euro investment aims to boost water security.
Officials warn of more frequent droughts followed by unhelpful heavy rainfall.

Greece Faces Water Crisis: Lake Marathon Critically Low

Officials in Greece used Epiphany ceremonies on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, to draw attention to the nation's growing water scarcity. Lake Marathon, a key reservoir supplying Athens, has seen its water levels drop significantly. Current reserves across the four main reservoirs are at about 390 million cubic meters, a stark decrease from over 1 billion cubic meters in 2022. This alarming situation led authorities to declare a water emergency in the capital last November.

George Stergiou, chairman of EYDAP, the greater Athens water utility, highlighted the recurring nature of the problem, noting that three consecutive years of declining reservoir levels have brought the issue to the forefront. He cautioned that increasingly frequent droughts are often succeeded by intense rainfall that fails to adequately replenish water supplies. In response, EYDAP has initiated a 2.5 billion euro investment plan spanning a decade.