​​​​​​​ATHENS

Athens is grappling with an escalating water crisis, media reports said Wednesday.

The Kathimerini newspaper noted that the capital city’s main source of drinking water, the Mornos Reservoir, recorded its second-lowest water level in two decades in May, citing a recent study by the BEYOND Operational Unit of the National Observatory of Athens.

More specifically, the reservoir is operating at nearly 60% - 65% of its typical capacity for May, which indicates a continued decline since peaking near full capacity in 2022, according to the newspaper.

“Despite improved rainfall indicators in 2025 compared to 2024, water storage continues to decrease,” Alexandros Konis, a researcher with the observatory, said about the findings.

The newspaper added that the supplementary Evinos Reservoir is also severely affected, evidenced by the significant shrinking of its surface.

“These findings confirm increasing hydrological pressure on Athens’ water system and highlight the urgent need for public awareness and immediate governmental action,” said Haralambos Kontoes, scientific head of the BEYOND Unit.

The survey exposes deteriorating long-term drought patterns, declining snow coverage and intensified heat events, all of which hasten evaporation and reduce runoff into reservoirs.​​​​​​​