Lake Yliki interventions contribute to Kopaida irrigation supply

It is noted that, following a request from the Region, local communities, and agricultural bodies, critical irrigation interventions were implemented in cooperation with the Athens Water Supply and Sewerage Company (EYDAP) within a particularly short timeframe. These interventions include:

• The relocation of EYDAP’s floating pumping station, with a capacity of 10,500 cubic meters of water per hour, to the required operating location.
• The construction of the necessary onshore infrastructure for the transfer of pumped water into the irrigation network.
• The execution of supplementary technical works supporting the system.

Today, the project is operating normally and delivering particularly positive results, ensuring the smooth progress of the irrigation season.

Mr. Papastavrou stated: “We are at Lake Yliki with the Regional Governor of Central Greece, Fanis Spanos, the Member of Parliament for Boeotia, Lefteris Ktistakis, the two local Mayors, and the President and Chief Executive Officer of EYDAP. Together, we cooperated, following a request from the Region, to find a solution to a complex problem: the irrigation of the Kopaida plain. This issue has been exacerbated by climate change, the decline in the lake’s water level, and increased water demand.

EYDAP, with its technical expertise and operational efficiency, constructed the floating pumping station within 40 days. Infrastructure works and ancillary projects have been carried out to ensure that farmers will face no problems in the upcoming irrigation period. Because when the state asks citizens to be responsible and consistent in matters of water use, it must first set an example itself. And this is precisely what we have done. It is evidence that when the State, the Region, the local government as a whole, and EYDAP cooperate, we can find rapid and responsible solutions before problems arise. The Kopaida plain has been secured. This is a significant solution.”

For his part, Mr. Spanos noted: “The Minister’s presence today at Lake Yliki is further tangible proof of the State’s sincere interest in addressing issues related to the irrigation of the Kopaida plain and in supporting the primary sector. From the outset, we developed close and meaningful cooperation with the Ministry of Environment and Energy, EYDAP, and the farmers of Kopaida themselves. Together, we managed to address the challenges created by drought. The Government, the Region, and producers continue with planning and responsibility to provide solutions and ensure the smooth progress of the irrigation season.”

On behalf of EYDAP, Mr. Stergiou stated: “Kopaida is one of the most productive agricultural regions of the country. EYDAP, with the expertise and experience of its staff, wishes and is able, as demonstrated by its recent intervention, to contribute substantially to its smooth irrigation. In coordination with the Ministry of Environment and Energy and in cooperation with the Region of Central Greece, the municipalities of Boeotia, and local communities, we have launched a collective effort to manage the conditions created by the climate crisis and reduced water resources in an efficient manner for the residents and farmers of the area, while simultaneously ensuring, through appropriate management, the adequacy of water supply for the capital.”