In a detailed and candid announcement, the Mayor of Eastern Mani, Petros Andreakos, who also serves as the President of the Municipal Water Supply and Sewerage Company (DEYAAM), has raised a critical alarm regarding water availability in the municipality. He emphasizes the urgent need for community participation to ensure that the municipality can adequately meet the needs of both residents and visitors.
### Key Points from the Mayor’s Announcement:
#### Economic Drain from Illegal Consumption
In 2025, the municipality consumed approximately 3.5 million cubic meters of water, yet only 900,000 cubic meters were recorded and billed. This significant discrepancy indicates widespread illegal connections and consumption, which financially burden DEYAAM and necessitate additional water extraction from wells, incurring high electricity costs.
#### Water Supply Data and Sources
The Agia Marina springs yield 8,500 cubic meters of water daily, with reduced output during August, September, and October. This volume is sufficient for 42,000 residents. By the end of July, DEYAAM was supplying 10,000 cubic meters daily from springs and four wells, enough for about 50,000 residents. As of August 1, this amount increased to 12,000 cubic meters daily, catering to approximately 60,000 residents. Despite this availability, daily water supply issues persist in various communities, indicating that the problem lies not in water availability but in reckless usage and illegal connections.
#### Intensified Inspections and Penalties
The Board of Directors has already imposed fines totaling 4,000 euros on three residents for illegal connections. Inspections will continue with increased rigor, and any identified violations will be strictly enforced without exception. As Mayor and President of DEYAAM, Andreakos asserts his responsibility to protect this public resource that belongs to everyone.
#### Extent of the Network and Need for Cooperation
Acknowledging the complaints he receives daily, Andreakos respects the concerns of the community. However, he points out that the municipality is extensive, and DEYAAM services over 300 locations, making constant oversight impractical. He calls for cooperation from all residents, stating that reporting illegal connections or wasteful consumption is not a denunciation of a neighbor but a responsible act towards the community.
#### The Harsh Economic Reality of DEYAAM
DEYAAM does not receive state funding and operates solely on revenue from water bills. It faces exorbitant electricity costs necessary for well operations, without benefiting from the special tariff it is entitled to. If immediate measures are not taken to manage water resources effectively, these costs will become unsustainable.
#### Responsible Decisions for Our Future
Andreakos emphasizes that he is not concerned about political repercussions but rather about ensuring water availability today and in the future. Responsible action requires making difficult but necessary decisions now. Otherwise, the excessive electricity costs will hinder DEYAAM’s ability to operate wells at required levels, jeopardizing water availability for the entire municipality. He urges all residents to actively participate in water conservation efforts, limit unnecessary consumption, report illegal water use, and support DEYAAM’s initiatives.
This announcement serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of responsible water management and community cooperation in safeguarding a vital resource for all.
