Mykonos, one of Greece’s most iconic destinations, is facing a growing water crisis. With tourism booming and demand soaring, the island’s existing water infrastructure is under severe strain. To tackle this, local authorities are fast-tracking an emergency desalination unit—a move that could redefine how islands manage water scarcity.
Why Desalination?
Traditional sources like groundwater and reservoirs can’t keep up with peak summer demand, which often exceeds 15,000 cubic meters per day. Current desalination plants provide around 10,000 m³/day, leaving a critical gap. The new unit aims to bridge this shortfall and ensure uninterrupted supply for residents and visitors.
The Emergency Plan
- Capacity: The unit will produce 2,000 m³/day, adding 290,000 m³ of fresh water over eight months.
- Location: Installed in Ano Mera, it will connect directly to the island’s pumping station for seamless integration.
- Timeline: Fully operational by May 2026, just in time for the tourist season.
Cost and Model
The project, budgeted at €539,400, uses a “water-as-a-service” approach. This means the contractor handles everything—operation, maintenance, and quality control—at a cost of about €1.86 per cubic meter.
Challenges Ahead
While desalination is a lifeline, it’s not without drawbacks:
- Energy-intensive process
- Brine disposal risks for marine ecosystems
- Water quality concerns, including high chlorine and calcium levels that can affect hair and skin
A Sustainable Future?
Mykonos’ emergency unit is a short-term fix, but it signals a broader trend: Mediterranean islands increasingly turning to desalination to secure water resilience. Long-term solutions will need to balance technology, sustainability, and environmental impact.
(Source: Greek Reporter)