World Water Day – March 22 serves as a vital reminder of the importance of water for humanity and an opportunity to raise awareness about the planet’s most precious natural resource. Water is often referred to as “white gold” because of its essential role in sustaining life, health, and the environment.
Water is life itself. In today’s era of drought and climate change, ensuring its quality, sufficiency, and protection are top priorities. The Hellenic Survey of Geology and Mineral Exploration (ΕΑGME) works with dedication toward these goals, emphasizing the importance of water resources for quality of life and sustainable development.
As a key scientific advisor to the Greek State on geoscience issues, ΕΑGME stands at the forefront of efforts to promote the rational management of water resources.
Under the rapidly evolving climatic conditions, groundwater availability is decreasing — particularly across the Mediterranean basin, where the pace of change is accelerating. This makes it necessary to rethink how we use and manage water and to adopt a more responsible approach to this vital resource.
With over a century of experience, ΕΑGME provides scientifically grounded solutions to address emerging challenges and help Greece adapt to new realities. Its contribution to society and the country’s economic development is evident in more than 6,500 studies and technical reports conducted by its hydrogeologists throughout Greece — investigating groundwater systems, and addressing issues of management, quality, and adequacy.
Drawing on its extensive research archives, experienced personnel, and modern infrastructure, ΕΑGME designs and implements programs of basic and applied hydrogeological research. These efforts aim to study aquifer systems, assess and manage groundwater reserves, and monitor water quality — all in alignment with both European and national legislation, as well as the broader social and environmental needs of the country.
Main areas of ΕΑGME’s work in water resource management include:
- Groundwater Monitoring Network (DIPYN): ΕΑGME collaborates closely with the Ministry of Environment and Energy (YPEN) and plays an active role in the “National Water Monitoring Network” through the Groundwater Monitoring Network (DIPYN). This network, consisting of 1,894 observation points across Greece, provides essential data for assessing both the quantitative and qualitative status of groundwater.
- Systematic Inventory of Water Wells (SAMY): ΕΑGME completed the “SAMY” project, aimed at systematically recording water wells and estimating extractable groundwater quantities from key aquifer systems. Its findings serve as a valuable tool for effective groundwater management and protection.
- Hydrogeological Research and Mapping (YDROCHART Project): Through the new YDROCHART project, ΕΑGME conducts hydrogeological studies to explore, delineate, and evaluate aquifer systems, address water supply and irrigation challenges, apply artificial recharge methods, and protect water resources from pollution.
- Collaboration and Institutional Support: ΕΑGME works closely with local authorities and municipal water companies (DEYAs), offering scientific support in groundwater research, management, and protection.
Across all these initiatives, ΕΑGME’s hydrogeologists, scientific, and technical staff play an active role. The organization’s Water Laboratory also provides critical analytical support, ensuring the delivery of reliable and comprehensive results.
General Director Dionysios K. Goutis stated: “World Water Day reminds us of the critical importance of water for life and sustainable development. With its long-standing expertise and scientific capacity, ΕΑGME remains at the forefront of efforts to ensure the rational management of the nation’s water resources.
In an era when climate change increasingly affects water availability, ΕΑGME plays a decisive role in safeguarding and promoting the sustainable use of groundwater. Our commitment to research, monitoring, and responsible management of water resources is unwavering.
As the State’s scientific advisor on geological matters, ΕΑGME continues to work with dedication and responsibility to protect and ensure the sustainable use of water resources — for a resilient and sustainable future for the generations to come.”