In brief
As Greece faces unprecedented drought and increasing temperatures, the revival of this historic structure aims to enhance urban water sustainability and create a new culture around water usage.
With climate change impacting Greece severely, this year has seen alarming drops in reservoir levels, prompting a multifaceted response to the water crisis in Athens. The restoration of Hadrian’s Aqueduct, which has been integral to the city since Roman times and stretches over 15 miles, is a significant part of this strategy.The aqueduct, once abandoned but structurally sound, is being transformed to not only supplement the current water supply but to also irrigate green spaces within the metropolitan area. Katerina Dimitrou, from the Athens Water Supply and Sewerage Company, emphasized the multifaceted benefits of the project, stating, “We have an ancient monument and feat of engineering that we’re bringing into the present to save water and cool the city.”In addition to the aqueduct's revival, the city is implementing other modern solutions, including building an artificial lake and incorporating desalination technologies. The city seeks to forge a new water culture that balances the historical significance of its infrastructure with contemporary water management needs, underscoring the importance of innovation in coping with climate change. This initiative not only aims to address immediate water needs but also to promote awareness and sustainable practices regarding water usage among the residents of Athens.
