Greek hotels may fill their pools with seawater this summer

Greece Faces Water Crisis as Tourism Season Approaches

Greece is grappling with a pressing water crisis as the upcoming tourism season threatens to intensify strain on its already depleted freshwater resources. In an effort to address this challenge, the Greek parliament is debating new legislation that could see hotel pools being filled with seawater. The proposed regulations aim to provide a sustainable alternative for water usage in the tourism sector, particularly in coastal regions where access to seawater is readily available. While the measure is not mandatory, it offers hotels the option to construct pipelines to pump seawater in and out of their pools, thereby conserving freshwater for other essential urban uses. Deputy Minister of Tourism Elena Rapti emphasized that the primary goal of the legislation is to “conserve water resources” amid growing concerns over drought and water scarcity.

The Alarming Reality of Drought in Greece

Over the past two years, Greece has endured severe drought conditions, exacerbated by climate change. A recent study by the National Observatory of Athens revealed a 12% decline in annual rainfall between 1971 and 2020 compared to the previous seven decades (1901–1970). This alarming trend shows no signs of abating, with popular tourist destinations such as the Aegean Islands and Crete being among the hardest-hit regions. These areas have lost nearly a fifth of their rainfall, further aggravating water shortages. The tourism industry, which attracted nearly 33 million visitors last year and generated €28.5 billion in revenue, now faces mounting pressure to adopt more sustainable practices. However, the sector is also feeling the strain of overtourism, with workers in Greece and other European countries reaching a breaking point due to the overwhelming influx of visitors.

The Proposed Solution: Seawater in Hotel Pools

The proposed legislation seeks to alleviate water scarcity by enabling hotels to use seawater for their pools. While hotels will not be forced to adopt this measure, the new regulations would streamline the process of constructing the necessary infrastructure, such as pipelines, to pump seawater in and out of pools. This initiative is particularly relevant for coastal hotels, where the availability of seawater offers a viable alternative to freshwater. However, the plan is not without controversy, as critics raise concerns about potential environmental impacts. Despite these concerns, supporters argue that the measure could help preserve freshwater for more critical needs, such as drinking water and irrigation, especially in areas experiencing severe water shortages.

Environmental Concerns and Criticisms of the Plan

Opposition to the plan primarily centers on the potential environmental consequences of using seawater in hotel pools. Critics point out that the proposal lacks quality standards for the discharge of treated seawater back into the sea. Seawater pools must still be disinfected with chemicals like chlorine, which can be toxic to marine life. Chlorinated saltwater discharge could disrupt the marine ecosystem by altering salt levels and harming fish and other aquatic organisms. Additionally, there are concerns that the construction of pipelines could damage the seafloor and that the proposal does not guarantee the exclusion of sewage from the water. These environmental risks have led some to question whether the benefits of conserving freshwater outweigh the potential harm to marine ecosystems.

A Reassessment of Water Usage in the Tourism Sector

Some critics argue that the impact of hotel pools on water resources has been overstated. Studies on islands such as Mykonos and Paros indicate that pools consume only about 6% of available water, suggesting that other factors may play a more significant role in water scarcity. This raises questions about whether targeting hotel pools is the most effective way to address the issue. While the proposed legislation may offer some relief, it is clear that a more comprehensive approach to water management is needed to ensure the long-term sustainability of Greece’s tourism industry. This includes addressing the broader environmental and economic challenges posed by overtourism and climate change.

The Future of Sustainable Tourism in Greece

As Greece debates the use of seawater in hotel pools, the broader implications for the future of tourism cannot be ignored. The climate crisis is making the country’s current tourism model increasingly unsustainable, prompting calls for a radical rethink of how the industry operates. While the proposed legislation represents a step toward addressing water scarcity, it is only one piece of a much larger puzzle. To ensure the survival of Greece’s tourism industry, policymakers must balance the economic benefits of tourism with the need to protect the environment and conserve resources. This includes adopting innovative solutions, such as water-saving technologies and sustainable practices, while addressing the root causes of overtourism and climate change. Only through a holistic approach can Greece hope to preserve its natural beauty and cultural heritage for future generations.