Hydrological balance and application of the MedWater Model on Naxos Island

Abstract

The MedWater model was used to determine both the present and future water balances of the largest water basin on Naxos Island, Greece, comparing water resource availability with water demand while also testing assumptions related to the regional hydrological context and different future scenarios. The model indicated that: the required quantities of water for both irrigation and drinking needs reach their annual maximum values during the summer season; the annual water balance shows a general surplus, but not on a monthly basis; the available quantities of water are not enough to cover irrigation demands during the annual dry period; available water resources maximize in March and are generally under-exploited; and the required volumes of water for both irrigation and direct human consumption will increase in the future.