gr.euronews.com
Athens Water Reserves at Critical Levels: Drought Threatens Water Scarcity
Analysis of Athens' water reservoirs by FloodHUB shows critically low levels in May 2025, reaching near historic lows due to prolonged drought and high temperatures, posing a significant risk of water scarcity.
- What is the current state of Athens' water reserves and what are the immediate consequences?
- Athens water reserves are critically low, reaching their second lowest levels in 20 years, according to a recent FloodHUB analysis. The main source, Lake Morinos, is at 65% of its historical May average, significantly lower than the 79% in 2024 and near 100% in 2022. This threatens water scarcity for the city.",
- What factors contributed to the low water levels in Athens' reservoirs, and how do they interconnect?
- The study uses satellite data and climate indicators like the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI-3) to assess the situation. Prolonged drought and high heat stress have depleted reserves. While 2025 shows slightly improved rainfall compared to 2024, it's insufficient to offset the water loss.",
- What are the long-term implications of this water shortage for Athens and what measures should be taken to address it?
- The interconnected nature of the Athens water system, where the Evrinos reservoir supplements Morinos, exacerbates the crisis. The low capacity of Evrinos makes it particularly vulnerable. Immediate action is needed to mitigate the risk of severe water shortages.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing emphasizes the severity of the water shortage, using phrases like "historic lows" and "very high pressure." The headline and introduction immediately highlight the crisis, potentially influencing reader perception towards alarm. While accurate, this framing could be slightly softened to avoid undue panic.
Language Bias
The language used is generally neutral and factual, using precise terms such as "Standardized Precipitation Index" and technical data. However, the repeated use of phrases like "very high pressure" and "historic lows" adds to the sense of urgency, and might be considered emotionally charged. More neutral alternatives might include 'significantly low levels' or 'substantial pressure'.
Bias by Omission
The analysis focuses primarily on the Mornos and Evrinos reservoirs, neglecting a detailed assessment of the Yliki and Marathon reservoirs. While mentioning their supplementary roles, the lack of specific data on their current levels prevents a complete picture of the Attica water supply situation. This omission might lead readers to underestimate the overall severity of the water shortage.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article reports critically low water levels in Athens reservoirs, threatening water scarcity. This directly impacts access to clean water and sanitation, a core component of SDG 6. The prolonged drought and low reservoir levels highlight challenges in ensuring sustainable water management and access.