Greek Islands Suffer from Drought: Water Is Being Rationed for Tourists, Not Locals

Seven Greek islands have declared a state of emergency this year due to a severe drought. Reservoirs are rapidly running dry, and authorities are being forced to choose who gets the remaining water — local residents or the tourism sector that the region's economy depends on.

According to available data, climate change combined with the influx of tourists is sharply driving up water consumption, while natural reserves simply cannot replenish fast enough. The summer season traditionally brings tens of thousands of holidaymakers to the islands, and it is precisely to keep hotels and beach resorts supplied that authorities are cutting water access for local residents.

The most striking example is the island of Astypalea, where farmers have been completely cut off from the water supply — priority was given to tourist infrastructure instead. For local residents who depend on agriculture, this decision has meant serious hardship and the loss of their livelihood.

The situation clearly illustrates how Greece's resort economy is increasingly clashing with the interests of the islands' permanent residents: the tourist flow brings in revenue, but it also drains already scarce water resources amid a worsening drought.

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Around Prague, based on reporting by seznamzpravy.cz