Abstract
Abstract Small Aegean islands are facing complicated pressures of different natures. Their physically limited water resources are invoked to cover the increasing needs of the local population, combined with the seasonal water demand peaks due to tourists. This often leads to aquifers’ overexploitation and seawater intrusion, deteriorating the water quality. Water scarcity may also occur due to inadequate infrastructure, limited investments and human resources for proper management. This study uses the example of Skiathos island, which faces all the above challenges. The water supply network and the city's demand are simulated through WEAP software, in an attempt to address the major drivers for future water management. A long-term water demand forecast is performed under scenarios of climate change (based on ensemble means of RCP simulations), and water pricing (based on the recommendations of European legislation). Other pressures (i.e., operation of new hotels) and measures (i.e., desalinization unit, network and reservoir works) that were already considered by the local authorities are discussed. Overall, the findings aim to sensitize and motivate local policymakers to construct databases, start monitoring, include more factors in the decision-making process, and avoid overexploitation for the sake of non-sustainable development norms.
Highlights
Greek islands are popular tourist destinations, as they combine unique beauty and multiple special characteristics
The present study examines the above factors in Skiathos island, a typical example that faces all the aforementioned challenges
Urban water demand is covered from groundwater stored in the reservoirs, and there are no data on the consumption of other uses or exact supply sources, since they are not organized
Summary
Greek islands are popular tourist destinations, as they combine unique beauty and multiple special characteristics (environment, coasts, societal, etc.). Small Aegean islands are called to fulfil many objectives (locals’ needs, productive and tourist objectives) with limited and deteriorating natural and financial resources (Kechagias & Katsifarakis 2004) Their semi-arid environment, hilly terrain, poor infrastructure in terms of water supply works and rainwater exploitation, and the unequally distributed rainfall during the year (wet winters and dry summers – where the demand peaks) create serious water shortage problems (Kourtis et al 2019). To overcome this issue, a common practice is the over-pumping of groundwater, which leads to aquifers’ drawdown, allowing sea water intrusion and salinization. Even in cases of physically available water of acceptable quality, residents may face water scarcity due to inadequate infrastructure, limited investments and human resources for proper management
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