Close Menu
  • Home
  • Europe
  • United Kingdom
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Culture
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Tech
  • Travel
Trending

Woman fractured skull before ex ‘strangled her to death in luxury Surrey hotel’

July 18, 2025

Essex students killed after drink-driver lost control doing 90mph in 30mph zone

July 18, 2025

Ex-Lioness Eni Aluko ‘did a lot to try and apologise’ to Ian Wright privately

July 18, 2025
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram YouTube
Se Connecter
July 18, 2025
Euro News Source
Live Markets Newsletter
  • Home
  • Europe
  • United Kingdom
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
  • Culture
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Tech
  • Travel
Euro News Source
Home»Travel
Travel

Considering a Greek Getaway? Your Hotel Pool Might Be Filled with Seawater.

News RoomBy News RoomJanuary 17, 2025
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Copy Link Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email Telegram

Greece, a nation renowned for its idyllic islands and breathtaking coastline, is grappling with a growing conflict between its thriving tourism industry and dwindling freshwater resources. The country’s parliament is currently debating legislation that would permit coastal hotels to fill their swimming pools with seawater, a measure aimed at alleviating the strain on freshwater supplies, particularly during the peak tourist season. This proposed legislation comes in response to increasingly severe drought conditions that have gripped the nation for the past two years. The initiative seeks to establish a regulatory framework for the extraction and utilization of seawater for swimming pools, prioritizing the conservation of precious freshwater resources. However, the proposal has sparked debate, raising concerns about potential environmental impacts and the efficacy of such a measure.

The urgency of water conservation in Greece is underscored by the alarming decline in annual rainfall. Studies reveal a 12% decrease in rainfall between 1971 and 2020 compared to the preceding seven decades. This trend, exacerbated by climate change, poses a significant threat to the nation’s water security. The Aegean Islands and Crete, popular tourist destinations, are particularly vulnerable, having experienced a dramatic 20% reduction in rainfall. With tourism being a vital pillar of the Greek economy, attracting nearly 33 million visitors and generating €28.5 billion in revenue in 2024, the strain on water resources is only expected to intensify. This situation highlights the inherent tension between a booming tourism sector and the sustainable management of natural resources. The Greek government is under increasing pressure to reconcile these competing demands and develop a more sustainable tourism model for the future.

The proposed seawater pool legislation is not without its detractors. Environmental groups and scientists have voiced concerns about the potential ecological consequences of discharging chemically treated seawater back into the marine environment. The current proposal lacks specific quality standards for this discharge, raising fears about the potential for harmful chemicals, such as chlorine, to disrupt the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. Chlorine, a common disinfectant for swimming pools, is toxic to marine life, and the discharge of chlorinated saltwater could also alter salinity levels, further stressing marine organisms. Moreover, the lack of safeguards against sewage contamination in the proposed legislation adds another layer of concern. The physical process of constructing the necessary pipelines for seawater extraction and discharge also poses risks to the seafloor, potentially damaging sensitive habitats.

Adding to the complexity of the issue, critics argue that the impact of swimming pools on water resources has been overstated. Studies on islands like Mykonos and Paros indicate that pools account for only 6% of total water consumption. This statistic raises questions about the effectiveness of the proposed seawater solution in addressing the broader issue of water scarcity. Opponents argue that focusing on more comprehensive water management strategies, such as addressing leaks in the water distribution system and promoting water-efficient agriculture, would yield greater benefits. They suggest that the seawater pool proposal is a superficial solution that diverts attention from the underlying systemic issues contributing to water shortages.

The debate surrounding the seawater pool legislation reflects a broader conversation about the future of tourism in Greece. The country is increasingly recognizing the need to balance economic growth with environmental sustainability. The influx of tourists, while vital to the economy, also places immense pressure on the nation’s infrastructure and natural resources. The current situation underscores the urgency of developing a more sustainable tourism model that minimizes its environmental footprint. This could involve promoting eco-tourism, implementing stricter regulations on water usage, and investing in water-efficient technologies.

Moving forward, Greece faces the complex challenge of finding a sustainable path for its tourism industry. The proposed seawater pool legislation, while potentially offering some relief to strained freshwater resources, is not a panacea. Addressing the root causes of water scarcity requires a multifaceted approach that includes comprehensive water management strategies, investments in water-efficient technologies, and a shift towards more sustainable tourism practices. The debate surrounding this legislation serves as a crucial reminder of the delicate balance between economic development and environmental stewardship, a balance that Greece must strike to ensure its long-term prosperity and the preservation of its natural beauty.

Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Telegram WhatsApp Email

Keep Reading

Ranked: These are the best airports in Europe for punctuality and passenger experience

Travel July 17, 2025

UK lifts ban on Pakistan’s flag carrier after safety standards improve, diplomat says

Travel July 16, 2025

Visiting Málaga this summer? New tourist rules urge visitors to cover up and keep quiet

Travel July 16, 2025

Tourists evacuated after Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula hit by 12th eruption in four years

Travel July 16, 2025

Thailand delays tourist entry fee until 2026 as arrivals dip and economy falters

Travel July 15, 2025

‘Find your pomalo’: Croatia is encouraging travellers to seek out its quieter corners and coves

Travel July 11, 2025

Across the Alps by wheelchair: How two athletes defied terrain, heat and disability

Travel July 11, 2025

How to stay safe if you’re visiting Greece and Turkiye during summer wildfire season

Travel July 7, 2025

Sustainable, natural and light-filled: Here’s why these are the world’s most beautiful airports

Travel July 1, 2025

Editors Picks

Essex students killed after drink-driver lost control doing 90mph in 30mph zone

July 18, 2025

Ex-Lioness Eni Aluko ‘did a lot to try and apologise’ to Ian Wright privately

July 18, 2025

Over a thousand flock to Swingathon as village hosts UK’s biggest taboo festival

July 18, 2025

At least three killed in explosion at Los Angeles training facility for sheriffs

July 18, 2025

Latest News

Belgium’s Tomorrowland festival opens after massive fire destroyed main stage

July 18, 2025

BREAKING: Epping protest: Cops break silence on claims police van drove into protester

July 18, 2025

Trinidad and Tobago imposes state of emergency after prison plot to kill officials uncovered

July 18, 2025

Subscribe to News

Get the latest Europe and World news and updates directly to your inbox.

Facebook X (Twitter) Pinterest Instagram
2025 © Euro News Source. All Rights Reserved.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms
  • Contact

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Sign In or Register

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below.

Lost password?