Elpida Kolokytha

Evaluating demand management aspects of urban water policy—A field survey in the city of Thessaloniki, Greece

Abstract The objective of the paper is to investigate the attitudes and preferences of the residential water users of the city of Thessaloniki, in order to evaluate the demand management aspects of the urban water policy. A field survey has been conducted in the city of Thessaloniki and investigated among others the reliability of the utility’s services and infrastructure, the acceptability of various water demand options, the willingness to pay of the consumers and the level of public awareness. Straightforward comparisons with the results of a similar survey five years ago help extract useful remarks and conclusions concerning the shift of the urban water policy towards integrated and therefore more sustainable directions.

Urban water management in Greece present conditions and perspectives of sustainability

Abstract Greece, a developing Mediterranean country in Southeastern Europe, faces serious water problems. A series of geomorphological, meteorological, and hydrological conditions, in addition to the particular social, economic, and administrative circumstances are currently making sustainable water management a rather complex, difficult, and frustrating task. Present water resource management practices have proven insufficient to integrate both socio-economic development and environmental ecosystem integrity. The results of a survey on the economic and demand management aspects of the urban water policy in Greece are presented and evaluated in this paper. Water shortages, which occur mainly during the summer and especially on the islands, high water consumption rates, a wide variety of water pricing policies, lack of public participation, sectoral and fragmented rather than integrated water management, and the fact that water is considered to be a social commodity are only some of the findings of the survey. The present situation is evaluated and discussed, and the perspectives of a new, demand-oriented urban water management are investigated in an effort to shift urban water policy in Greece towards sustainability.

Agricultural and water resources development in Thessaly, Greece in the framework of new European Union policies

Abstract The main challenges that inter‐relate sustainable development with water resources management are to secure water for all humanity and for food production as well, to protect the ecosystems, to manage risk, to create public awareness, to urge political will and to ensure cooperation and coordination of action in an integrated way for both national and international water issues. The response of Europe comes through the new Water Framework Directive (WFD) for the sustainable management of all European waters. Moreover EU provides the new Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for the sustainable development of rural areas which all member states should comply with. This paper evaluates the perspectives of water resources management and economic development in the greater Thessaly area ‐ an agricultural, rural area in Greece that faces a dramatic water resources problem, in the framework of the WFD 2000/60 and the new CAP.

Integrated water management plans for the restoration of lake Koronia, Greece

Abstract: Lake Koronia is a very important ecosystem of Greece which is almost vanishing because of non sustainable water management practice in the region. The ongoing unsystematic economic growth of the area has resulted to water depletion and environmental degradation with serious social and economic impacts. This paper presents an integrated water resources management plan for the reversal of the situation. First, a groundwater simulation model of the complex shallow – deeper aquifer system is developed to simulate the lake‐aquifer interaction. Second, this model is then used as a management tool for the development of alternative exploitation plans of the deeper aquifer. The impacts of these scenarios to the groundwater levels and balance are also considered and evaluated. For sustainability purposes, not only the rehabilitation of the lake water resources, but also the restoration of the disturbed groundwater balance considered. The finally suggested plan is a combination of an engineering project recharg the lake with groundwater from the deeper aquifer, and water saving measures the agricultural sector, through the implementation of a crop change program and the exist irrigation methods.

EVALUATING DEMAND MANAGEMENT ASPECTS OF URBAN WATER POLICY. THE CITY OF VOLOS CASE, GREECE

This paper examines the perspectives of the implementation of a demand-oriented policy concerning residential water use, which covers almost 70% of urban water. Water demand, water pricing policy, as well as building capacity are examined and evaluated in order to investigate the current situation in urban water management in the city of Volos with reference to residential water use. The application of IWR-MAIN model in order to estimate future water needs and form different scenarios for sustainable water resources management together with a field survey in various water issues conducted in 966 citizens of the city of Volos justify the urgent need for the adoption of a demand driven policy.

Climate Change Impacts and Water Resource Management and Planning

Sustainable water resource planning for climate change is a process of assessing risks related to climate change, evaluating and selecting strategies that are based on current hydrological knowledge, using climate models, monitoring existing conditions, and providing guidelines for adaptation and the optimal use of available water resources for the benefit of the society. This chapter provides a road map to show how climate projections can be incorporated into water management decisions. In particular, it explores which projections to use and how to relate them to planning assumptions on water supplies, water demands, and operating restraints, and it also provides useful recommendations on how to improve water resource planning and management and on how to proceed with effective water policy actions considering climate variability and change.

Adaptation to Climate Change: Green Development

Mitigation and adaptation are both responses to climate change. This chapter provides the reader with information related to various policy measures for climate change, in water management. A theoretical part introduces issues concerning water resources management and sustainable water use. The chapter is mainly devoted to green development as a new development model for the twenty-first century that can provide adaptation to climate change and can guarantee economic prosperity, environmental protection of natural resources, and social equity. The main characteristics of green development are analyzed. Methods and applications of green development in water management are discussed as a solution to the impact of climate change on water. EU adaptation policies, in the context of green development, are discussed, and a case study from Greece demonstrates nonstructural measures and combined methodologies used to promote sustainable water management.