Thousands of visitors who were under water left Arachova for three days on October 28 without … water.
The municipality continued to disrupt the water supply from 01:00 am. until 06:00 Monday morning due to the long rain and the large increase in the number of visitors.
They carry water from Mornos
The municipality activated water carriers who carry out continuous transfers of water from Mornos. Through these channels, an attempt is made to cover the basic water supply needs, as Arachova’s reserves are not sufficient to cover the demand.
“I am a permanent resident of Zemenos. I have been in business since 2004, I have a distillery. We have had a problem with water for the last two years, which is understandable due to the scarcity of water. Unfortunately we are not told when the water will open and when it will be closed, we have water once every 6 days and on our own initiative we are trying to find the person in charge to open the valve for us once a week and for a while. a few hours.
We have many issues, like sanitation, we don’t have water to wash, I don’t have water to do my production, there is no water for fire safety. The whole area is in the forest,” says Efstathios Sidiras, distillery owner at MEGA.
Title: Water Scarcity in Arachova: An Interview with Efstathios Sidiras, Distillery Owner
Q: Thank you for joining us today, Efstathios. Can you start by telling us about the recent water supply disruptions in Arachova and how this has impacted both residents and businesses?
Efstathios Sidiras: Thank you for having me. The situation in Arachova has become increasingly dire, especially during events like the one on October 28, when thousands of visitors arrived. The local municipality had to suspend water supply from 1:00 AM to 6:00 AM due to heavy rainfall and the overwhelming number of visitors. This puts immense pressure on our already limited water reserves.
Q: How does the municipal response of sourcing water from Mornos help alleviate the situation?
Efstathios Sidiras: The municipality has activated water carriers to transport water from Mornos, which is a critical step in addressing our basic water supply needs. However, it’s important to note that even with these efforts, the reserves are not sufficient to meet the rising demand. It’s a temporary fix, and more sustainable solutions are needed.
Q: You mentioned your distillery and its struggles with the water supply. Can you elaborate on how these water issues affect your business operations?
Efstathios Sidiras: Certainly. As a permanent resident of Zemenos and a distillery owner since 2004, I’ve faced significant challenges over the last two years due to water scarcity. We’ve been getting water only once every six days. My production relies heavily on a consistent water supply, so we often find ourselves scrambling to locate the person in charge to open the valve for us, even if just for a few hours. This impacts sanitation, production, and even fire safety—an essential concern given our location in a forested area.
Q: It seems like an unstable situation. What advice would you give to fellow residents and business owners in dealing with these ongoing water shortages?
Efstathios Sidiras: Communication with the municipality is critical. Staying informed about water schedules can help businesses plan accordingly. I also suggest forming a network among local businesses to share resources and information. Furthermore, it’s imperative that we advocate for more sustainable water management practices—long-term strategies that can help mitigate these issues in the future.
Q: What do you believe are the implications of continued water supply challenges for the Arachova region, particularly with tourism and local industries?
Efstathios Sidiras: If we cannot resolve these water issues, the implications could be severe. Arachova is a popular tourist destination, and if visitors consistently face water shortages, it will deter them from returning. This, in turn, affects local businesses, particularly those reliant on tourism. It’s a cycle that needs addressing—ensuring adequate water supply is vital for both residents and the overall health of our local economy.
Q: Thank you, Efstathios, for sharing your insights. It’s crucial to understand the challenges you and many others face in Arachova. Do you have any closing thoughts?
Efstathios Sidiras: I’d like to stress the importance of collaboration—between the municipality, local businesses, and residents. We must come together to advocate for better management of our water resources to ensure a sustainable future for Arachova. Thank you for your time.
Conclusion: The water supply issues in Arachova highlight a pressing concern for both residents and business owners. As experts like Efstathios Sidiras emphasize, proactive communication and sustainable practices are essential for mitigating these challenges and supporting the local economy amidst changing environmental conditions.