Reviving History: Athens Turns to Ancient Aqueduct to Address Water Scarcity

The city's historical engineering marvel is set to play a crucial role in combating drought and promoting sustainability.

In the face of record heat waves and diminishing rainfall, Athens finds itself grappling with a severe water supply crisis, the worst in over ten years. This predicament has not only impacted daily life but has also affected agriculture and increased the risks of wildfires, prompting prayers for rain from local clergy. To combat this situation, city officials are looking to both modern solutions, such as building a new artificial lake and installing desalination units, and ancient resources like Hadrian’s Aqueduct—a system that has historically supplied water since the Roman era.

Katerina Dimitrou from the Athens Water Supply and Sewerage Company emphasized the importance of this revival, stating, "We have an ancient monument and feat of engineering that we’re bringing into the present to save water and cool the city." Partnerships with the Culture Ministry and local government have been formed to restore this aqueduct, allowing it to play a pivotal role in the city’s future water management strategy.

The revitalization of the aqueduct aims not only to augment local water supplies but also to enhance urban green spaces, thereby contributing to a cooler urban environment. Dimitrou details a broader vision to "create a new water culture" as Athens grapples with the realities of a changing climate. In doing so, the city reconnects with its rich history while forging a path toward sustainable and innovative urban living solutions.