Athens revives ancient aqueduct amid worsening water crisis
- The revival of Hadrian's Aqueduct in Athens addresses severe water scarcity amid climate change effects.
- A new pipeline will provide direct water access to homes and green spaces by March, with initial use free.
- The project aims to foster a sustainable water culture and has gained recognition as a model for urban innovation.
In Greece, particularly Athens, the ongoing issues of water scarcity and extreme weather conditions, exacerbated by climate change, have prompted local authorities to take significant action. Hadrian's Aqueduct, an ancient structure that historically supplied water to Athens, is being revived to help address growing water needs arising from persistent droughts and wildfires. This revival aims not only to provide a reliable water source for homes, schools, and parks but also to create a modern 'water culture' that promotes sustainable usage and irrigation of green spaces. Initiatives to rehabilitate the aqueduct involve a new two-and-a-half-mile pipeline that will enable scores of residences to enjoy a new water source as early as March. Residents living closest to this new pipeline will receive direct water connections, while those farther away will depend on truck deliveries for water supply. Importantly, the initial phase of this project will allow the first six months of water use to be free for the affected communities. This ambitious pilot project, supported by approximately 3.1 million euros in European Union funding, represents a concerted effort to tackle the region's water-related challenges, aiming to save over 250 million gallons of water per year. Although this number is relatively small compared to Athens' total annual consumption of over 100 billion gallons, local officials believe the aqueduct's revival will also have a positive impact on urban cooling through the irrigation of green spaces that naturally cool the city environment. Moreover, Athens' authorities are sharing insights and collaboration examples with other European cities, such as Serpa in Portugal and Rome, as they embark on similar initiatives. Through this revival, authorities hope to inspire residents to recognize and appreciate the historical significance of the aqueduct, as current awareness levels remain low, with many locals unaware that the aqueduct is still functional. The project is seen as a forward-looking approach to not only address contemporary worries but also foster a deeper cultural connection to the legacy of this ancient infrastructure.