The water supply network of Athens

Athen's water supply network provides clean and safe drinking water to millions of residents and visitors each day. The system relies on surface and groundwater sources and a network of pipelines, pumps, and treatment facilities, to ensure that the water delivered to homes and businesses is of the highest quality, according to the latest European standards and according to greek law for potable water.

Athens, the capital of Greece, has a long history of water supply management, dating back to ancient times. The city is named after the ancient greek goddess Athena, who is said to have given the city its first water source – a well on the Acropolis hill. Today, the water supply network in Athens is managed by the Athens Water Supply and Sewerage Company (EYDAP), which is responsible for the production, distribution, and treatment of water in the city and its surrounding areas.

The surface water sources include the artificial Marathon Lake, the natural Lake Yliki, and the Mornos River. These sources are supplemented by groundwater sources, which include wells located throughout the greater Attica region.

The water from these sources is transported to a number of EYDAP's treatment facilities, where it undergoes a special treatment processe to ensure that it is safe for consumption according to European standards for safe drinking water. 

After this special treatment, water is transported through a network of pipelines and pumps to homes and businesses throughout the city. The network is divided into different pressure zones, which help to maintain a consistent water pressure throughout the system. The network also includes a number of storage tanks, which help to ensure a reliable supply of water during peak demand periods.

EYDAP's goal is to provide clean and safe drinking water to residents but there are still some challenges that they need to address. The age of the infrastructure for example, in some cases dates back over a century. Many of the pipes in the system are made of outdated materials, such as lead and asbestos, which can pose health risks if they deteriorate over time. EYDAP is working to replace these pipes with more modern materials, but the process is slow and expensive.

Another challenge is the impact of climate change. As temperatures rise and rainfall patterns become less predictable, the water supply system may be affected by droughts or other extreme weather events, as we have all witnessed the last few years. To address this challenge, EYDAP has implemented a number of measures to conserve water and reduce demand, such as promoting the use of low-flow toilets and showerheads, and offering incentives for residents who install water-saving devices.