The Greek islands of Patmos and Arki have achieved water autonomy after the installation of desalination units, putting an ends to their dependency on water tankers.
“Without water autonomy, the islands would have no opportunity or development,” Deputy Shipping Ministry Nektarios Santorinios said during the inauguration of the units in Patmos.
He also said similar projects are planned for the small islands of Kastelorizo, Lipsi, Amorgos, Kimolos, Iraklia and Marathi.
Althought work on the desalination units stalled in 2012 when they were acquired the government recommenced work on them again in December 2016.
In July 2017 work was completed and now the desalination units each have a capacity that reaches 240,000 cubic meters of drinking water per year – enough to meet the needs of Patmos and Arki.
It is estimated the project will save the state 1.2 million euros on average annually from the transport of water to the two islands and increase the water available to locals and tourists. The contractor will be responsible for operating and maintaining the units for five years, after which their management will be passed over to the municipality of Patmos.
