The concern for water shortage in Attica it peaks, as Mornos -the main reservoir that supplies water to the Basin- reaches historically low levels. According to the official data of EYDAP, on October 23, 2025, the dam’s reserves amounted to only 156,996,000 cubic meters of water, the lowest value of the last 15 years and reduced by almost 45% compared to last year (285,021,000 m³ on 10/23/2024).
The government is on “red alert” for the water shortage
The water shortage has already mobilized the Maximos Palace, where a preparatory meeting was held under the prime minister, in view of possible emergency measures. At the same time, the Minister of Environment Stavros Papastavrou met with RAAE officials to examine the new water pricing policy and overall management framework of the waters.
Government sources say “all scenarios are open” – even those involving restrictions or emergency arrangements if the situation worsens.
In this climate of water scarcity, the event for the 100 years of EYDAP that will take place tomorrow, Thursday, October 30, in Kifissia, acquires political weight, as it is expected to present the new strategy for strengthening water sufficiency and managing tariffs.
Lake Mornos shrank by 44%
The scientific data of the National Observatory of Athens confirm the criticality due to water scarcity. According to a satellite analysis by Meteo.gr (October 9, 2025), the area of the lake was limited to 8.3 square kilometers, 44% smaller than the average value of the period 2016-2024 (14.9 km²).
The result is an eerie landscape, with the submerged village of Kallio resurfaced—an image reminiscent of the great droughts of the early 1990s.
Rainfall is also at its nadir
As Costas Lagouvardos, Director of Research, explains at the National Observatory of Athens, in 2025 develops into one of the driest years of the last decade. “Both satellite images and rainfall measurements show that we are at very low levels for the season. We have not reached the dramatic situation of 1993, but we are in the worst position in recent years,” he notes.
The Observatory graphs clearly capture the trend:
Precipitation since the start of 2025 remains at decade lows. Last winter’s snowpack was also reduced, depriving it of valuable reserves during the melt.
Mr. Lagouvardos adds: “If this winter brings little snow and little rain, the problem will worsen. We hope for a more “rich” autumn, so that part of the deficit can be covered”.
Mornos “shows” the future for water scarcity
EYDAP records a steady decline in Mornos reserves every October, which reflects a wider climate crisis with effects not only on Attica’s water supply, but also on the energy and agricultural sectors.
The Morno Dam, which was once considered an inexhaustible reservoir of life for Athens, reveals its limits today. And as the country enters yet another uncertain winter, the question now is whether next year will bring rain or…water bills.
If one compares the available data of EYDAP, examining stocks (in cubic meters – m³) of the Mornos reservoir on October 23 of each year, the resulting picture is as follows:
• 2025: 156,996,000 m³ (minimum 15 years)
• 2024: 285.021.000 m³
• 2023: 496.455.000 m³
• 2022: 601.375.000 m³
• 2021: 523.928.000 m³
• 2020: 489.881.000 m³
• 2019: 532.841.000 m³
• 2018: 605,563,000 m³ (15-year maximum)
• 2017: 482.332.000 m³
• 2016: 573.263.000 m³
• 2015: 591.653.000 m³
• 2014: 533.100.000 m³
• 2013: 577.015.000 m³
• 2012: 507.466.000 m³
• 2011: 521.016.000 m³
• 2010: 554.770.000 m³