Local water resource assessment in Messinia, Greece

Abstract: Messinia is a region in Greece renowned for its rich nature, olive agriculture and water availability. In the light of increasing anthropogenic and climatic pressure, this study assessedlocal water resources in catchments in south western parts of the region. The main objectives were to evaluate the balance between supply and demand, the sustainability of current waterconsumption, capacity of further land use intensification and to review local water management. The method was dual with both quantitative (water balance calculations and linear modeling) and qualitative (interviews and a questionnaire survey) approaches.It was confirmed that, on an annual basis, rainfall is comparatively high, there is a surplus of water leaving the catchments and aquifers are “superfluous”. The climate however, brings seasonal imbalance and notable shortages during summer that affect operation of local actors, especially with agriculture and tourism being the principal water users. Unofficial sources indicated that current consumption may not be sustainable, either because of over-exploitation or climatic changes, but further studies are required to draw reliable conclusions. Modeling showed the importance of land management, that unconsidered water consumption may impact the water balance substantially but also that, while minimizing evapotranspiration,there is capacity of intensification if water withdrawals are increased. Considering accessibility, competitive interests and sustainability however, such development is not necessarily feasible.The municipal water management appeared to be well established and, given that measures are taken concerning for example stakeholder integration and regulation of private and agricultural consumption, there is capacity of handling increasing water stress. Finally, stressing the crucial role of freshwater availability, the study highlighted the importance of further hydrological research and thus the need for improved data quality, particularly regarding river discharge.