Poros in a state of emergency due to water shortage – Desalination unit rental

The Municipality of Poros has been declared a state of Civil Protection emergency, following a relevant decision by the General Secretary of Civil Protection, to address the consequences that may arise from the prolonged water shortage. The decision, which came into force recently, will last until December 31.

The escalating shortage of water reserves in combination with increased consumption during the summer season has led the Municipality to take a series of actions both for the immediate relief of the problem and for its long-term management. As reported by the competent municipal services, the boreholes that supply the water supply network are no longer sufficient to meet demand, especially during peak months, while this winter was characterized by unprecedented and prolonged water shortages.

In the context of addressing the crisis, the Municipality of Poros secured a grant of 140,000 euros from the Ministry of Shipping and Insular Policy for the lease of a portable seawater desalination unit. The unit, with a capacity of 600 cubic meters of drinking water per day, will cover part of the increased water supply needs for one year.

At the same time, the Municipal Council unanimously approved the use of the negotiated procedure without prior publication for the award of the relevant contract, due to the urgent nature of the situation and the limited period of validity of the state of emergency. The decision was accompanied by the approval of the technical specifications of the service, based on a relevant study by the Municipality's Technical Services & Environment Directorate.

In the long term, the Municipality of Poros has already submitted funding proposals for the supply and installation of two reverse osmosis desalination units, with a minimum daily production of 800 cubic meters each. The relevant proposals are still under evaluation by the Ministry of Environment and Energy.

It is worth noting that on the island the water supply and firefighting network is shared, which makes ensuring sufficient water critical for fire protection needs, especially during the fire season and in conditions of possible power outages.

The Municipality highlights the need for rapid implementation of the action, so that the benefits from the installation of the unit cover not only the needs of the current tourist and fire season, but also of the following year.