- Water flow from the Aposelemis Dam water treatment plant was abruptly suspended following an operational malfunction.
- The cut impacts three major municipalities in Eastern Crete: Heraklion, Hersonissos, and Agios Nikolaos.
- Heraklion loses approximately 12,000 cubic meters of water daily—representing nearly 30% of its total urban water supply.
- Hersonissos and Agios Nikolaos each lose roughly 5,000 cubic meters per day during peak August holiday occupancy.
- Municipal authorities and local water utilities await official technical updates and a restoration timetable from the Development Organization of Crete (OAK).
A sudden operational malfunction at the Aposelemis Dam water treatment facility forced an immediate shutoff of water distribution across three key municipalities in Eastern Crete. Officials from the Development Organization of Crete (OAK) notified local water utilities late yesterday evening, halting supply lines to Heraklion, Hersonissos, and Agios Nikolaos until technical teams resolve the issue.
As of Friday, municipal leadership in all three affected regions has not received formal technical details regarding the root cause, the extent of the damage, or a clear timeline for full restoration.
The timing presents significant operational pressure, coinciding with the peak mid-August holiday period when regional water consumption reaches its annual high.
Impact Across Eastern Crete Municipalities
In Heraklion, the Aposelemis supply line delivers approximately 540 cubic meters of processed water per hour—totaling more than 12,000 cubic meters daily. This volume accounts for roughly 30% of the municipal supply network. While current residential exodus from the city center during the August 15 holiday slightly buffers immediate urban strain, extended supply halts will create severe municipal deficits.
The pressure is even higher in the coastal resort zones of Hersonissos and Agios Nikolaos, where hotels and holiday rentals are operating at maximum capacity.
Aposelemis Dam Daily Water Allocation Data
- Heraklion Municipality: ~12,000+ cubic meters per day (540 m³/hour; 30% of total city demand)
- Hersonissos Municipality: ~5,000 cubic meters per day
- Agios Nikolaos Municipality: ~5,000 cubic meters per day
- Status: Total distribution halted pending OAK repairs
Hersonissos Mayor Zacharias Doxastakis and local DEYA utility directors are seeking direct communication with OAK officials to determine emergency supply management plans. Travelers and hotel operators in impacted areas are advised to practice water conservation measures while local utilities draw on emergency reservoir reserves.
