Athens is reviving a 2,000-year-old aqueduct to combat water scarcity exacerbated by climate change. The ancient structure, known as the Hadrian Aqueduct and commissioned by Roman Emperor Hadrian in 140 CE, is being reactivated by the Athens Water Supply and Sewerage Company (EYDAP) in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Region of Attica. According to The New York Times, this initiative aims to supply non-potable water for irrigation and other purposes, signaling the beginning of a new era in water management for the city.
Newsbomb, Sozcu, Enikos, SKAI, and Enikos reported on the re-utilization of the aqueduct, among others.
Climate change has caused significant damage in Greece, with soaring temperatures and decreasing rainfall leading to an unprecedented water crisis in Athens. The city's water reservoirs are at their lowest levels in a decade, a situation worsened by increased demand due to wildfires. In response, EYDAP is implementing the "Cultural Hydrant" program, funded by the European Union, to construct the first non-potable water network in Greece.
"We have an ancient monument and feat of engineering that we're bringing into the present to save water and cool the city," said Katerina Dimitrou of EYDAP, as reported by The New York Times. While the revival of the aqueduct does not offer a complete solution to the drought, it represents a positive step toward sustainable water use.
Project manager Christos Giovanopoulos emphasized the innovative approach of utilizing the ancient aqueduct. "You can discourage people from using water or encourage them to use other sources. This is more positive," he said, according to The New York Times. Giovanopoulos also noted that the water collected in the aqueduct could be used by other municipalities along its route.
The plan involves constructing approximately four kilometers of pipeline connected to the aqueduct. According to Sozcu, the initial phase will supply water to the Chalandri suburb for non-potable uses such as car washing and garden irrigation, thereby conserving drinking water. Households near the network will be connected directly, while those farther away will receive water from municipal water trucks. For the first six months, the water will be offered free of charge.
Residents have been instrumental in launching the project. About 250 people from Chalandri have applied to have their homes connected to the aqueduct's water supply.
Despite its historical significance, many Athenians are unaware of the aqueduct's existence or the rejuvenation plans. The central reservoir is located in a public square called Dexameni, which is popular for its open-air cinema and café. "Ninety-five percent of customers don't know the aqueduct exists. They know Dexameni for the café, not its history," said Nektarios Nikolopoulos, the café's owner.
The project has received €3.1 million in support from European Union funds and has gained international acclaim in urban innovation.
EYDAP President George Stergiou underscored the importance of this initiative. "It does not constitute a solution for water scarcity. However, it signifies the beginning of a completely new era where, for uses such as irrigation and industrial purposes, potable water will not be used," he stated, according to Proto Thema/ He described the aqueduct as "an invaluable cultural treasure that emphatically showcases the human mind's ability to create time-resistant infrastructures."
While the water supplied by the aqueduct represents only a fraction of Athens's annual consumption, over time, the savings achieved will be significant. The project aims to expand to cover more municipalities along the aqueduct's route, targeting a saving of over 250 million gallons of water per year. Officials acknowledge that prompting a broader shift in mentality will take time, but they remain optimistic.
As Athens confronts the realities of climate change, the revival of this ancient engineering marvel symbolizes a blend of historical wisdom and modern innovation, providing both practical benefits and inspiration for sustainable practices.
This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq