Paros, once a model of water conservation, now faces a crisis due to tourism's overconsumption, depleting its aquifer.

Paros has long maintained a delicate balance with its natural resources, particularly its water supply. For centuries, the island’s residents have practised a culture of water sobriety. They perfected rainwater harvesting systems, grew indigenous crops that needed minimal irrigation, and treated every drop of water as precious.

But mostly in recent years, this balance has been disrupted by the boom in "luxury" tourism accompanied by a culture of limitless consumption. Villas and hotels with sprawling gardens and multiple swimming pools have led to an unprecedented demand for water. The municipal water supply company is struggling to meet this demand, as it is responsible for the water supply. However, aside from a few individual persons, there is a noticeable lack of discussion on the island about conservation. There have been no serious conversations about reducing consumption, recharging the aquifer, collecting rainwater or implementing regulations promoting moderate water use. Notably absent are efforts to address the widespread practice of drilling private boreholes, which extract unmonitored amounts of groundwater.

A Disturbing Decline in Water Reserves

Ironically, Paros sits atop the largest aquifer in the Cyclades, yet it is now witnessing a disturbing decline in its water reserves. Rather than addressing the root cause of the problem—unchecked consumption—authorities are turning to desalination as the primary solution. While desalination plants may seem like a quick fix, they come with significant downsides. Not only do they consume large amounts of energy, making water a costly commodity rather than a common good, but they also contribute to environmental degradation, polluting marine ecosystems and accelerating the very problems they are meant to solve.

This 16-minute video aims to shine a light on this critical issue. It raises crucial questions: What will happen if Paros continues down this path of unchecked water consumption? Is there a way to return to the island’s historical practices of water conservation, or is the destruction of this precious resource inevitable? This short video explores these tensions, urging viewers to rethink how water is valued and consumed on this beautiful yet increasingly fragile island.

The Time for Change is Now

In a world grappling with water shortages and the climate crisis, Paros serves as a stark reminder that no place is immune to the pressures of modern consumption and waste. The time for change is now, before the island’s water resources—and the lifestyle it sustains—are lost forever. The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated, and the need for immediate action is clear.

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