One of the key topics of this year’s Elafonisos Eco Week was “Waste and Water Management.” During the conferences on the first day, Aggelos Tsirigotakis, Mayor of Elafonisos, highlighted the island’s urgent water challenges. He explained that Elafonisos currently relies on a submarine pipeline from the mainland and two local boreholes for water supply. However, rising conductivity levels have rendered this water non-drinkable, leading to damage in home appliances and increased maintenance costs.
He stressed the responsibility of ensuring access to clean, drinkable water for both residents and visitors, calling it not only a priority but a constitutional right. Though the new municipal government is still in its early stages, it is committed to sustainable solutions.
The Mayor outlined a series of proposed actions based on ongoing studies: replacing the aging water network, extending it to areas like Simos and Panagia, renewing the submarine pipeline, exploring new water sources, building new storage tanks, and installing a desalination system powered by a photovoltaic park. He acknowledged the high cost of desalination but emphasized that renewable energy could significantly offset expenses.
He concluded by appealing to the national government for support and reaffirming that water of high quality is a right for all citizens.