Hotels on Greek islands are considering a unique solution to combat worsening drought conditions this summer - filling their swimming pools with seawater. The proposal is part of new legislation currently under discussion in the Greek parliament.
Greece has been grappling with severe drought conditions for the past two years, with the influx of tourists during the summer season further straining water resources, particularly on islands that are popular vacation destinations.
The government is taking action to address this issue, with plans to remove existing legal barriers that prevent the pumping of seawater into private pools. This move aims to alleviate the pressure on dwindling water reserves on many islands.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Elena Rapti, highlighted the importance of this draft legislation in regulating the extraction and pumping of seawater for swimming pools. The primary objective is to ensure the conservation of water resources in the face of escalating water scarcity.
Rapti's announcement was made during a parliamentary debate on a new reform bill for the hospitality industry. The proposed measures seek to provide a framework for hotels to utilize seawater as an alternative source for filling their pools, thereby reducing their reliance on freshwater supplies.
This innovative approach reflects the government's commitment to sustainable water management practices and its recognition of the urgent need to address the challenges posed by drought conditions in the country.
