Greece is facing significant challenges due to climate change, with record-breaking heat and reduced rainfall leading to the lowest water levels in reservoirs supplying Athens in over a decade. The agricultural sector is struggling, wildfires are increasing water demand, and local priests are holding prayers for rain.
In response, Athens is not only investing in modern water-sourcing technologies, such as a connection to an artificial lake and desalination units, but is also revitalizing an ancient aqueduct from the Roman Empire era.
Katerina Dimitrou of the Athens Water Supply and Sewerage Company emphasized the dual purpose of the initiative: to conserve water and to enhance urban cooling through the irrigation of green spaces. The aqueduct, known as Hadrian’s Aqueduct, was originally commissioned by the Roman emperor Hadrian in the second century A.D. to supply water for baths and has served Athens for centuries, except during the Ottoman occupation when it suffered damage.
The aqueduct features a 15-mile underground network that is still functional, channeling water from riverbanks and aquifers. However, after the construction of Athens’s first major dam in the early 20th century, the aqueduct was largely neglected, with its water flowing unused into the sewage system.
To address this, a new two-and-a-half-mile pipeline will connect the aqueduct to homes, schools, and parks by March. Initially, the water will be provided free of charge for six months, and it will be used for non-potable purposes such as washing and gardening, helping to conserve potable water.
The project aims to extend its reach to seven additional municipalities along the aqueduct, potentially saving over 250 million gallons of water annually. While this represents a small portion of Athens’s total annual water consumption of more than 100 billion gallons, the initiative will also promote the irrigation of green spaces, contributing to urban cooling.
Supported by €3.1 million in European Union funding, the pilot project has garnered international recognition for urban innovation and serves as a model for other European cities. Project organizers are sharing their strategies with cities like Serpa, Portugal, and Rome, which are interested in the collaborative aspects of the Athens initiative.
Despite its historical significance, many residents in Athens remain unaware of the aqueduct and its revitalization plans. Local authorities have partnered with a nonprofit organization to raise awareness through tours and educational initiatives.
Community engagement has been crucial, with around 250 residents expressing interest in connecting to the aqueduct's water supply. Christina Christidou, a local resident, noted a shift in water conservation attitudes among residents, highlighting the importance of community involvement in managing the water distribution.
Officials acknowledge that changing public attitudes towards water usage will take time, but they view the aqueduct as a positive step toward sustainable water management.