Diploma Thesis Defense by Mr Vasilis Markakis
Thesis Title: «Water resources management in Malia-Hersonissos region through the use of WEAP model and assessing future scenarios»
Monday 14 December 2020, at: 14:00,
Link: https://tuc-gr.zoom.us/j/88370109963?pwd=R3JrSDdmZlZUem5GclFzNXY3N1pjZz09
Examination Committee
- Professor George Karatzas(advisor)
- Professor Nikolaos Nikolaidis
- Post doc Researcher Ioannis Trihakis
Abstract
Water is one of the most important natural resources and perhaps the most vital asset in life, as it is impossible for life to exist without the presence of water. The increasing need for water supply and irrigation, the pollution of surface and groundwater as well as climate change create significant problems, resulting in the urgent need of proper water management and savings.
In Crete, and more specifically in the Prefecture of Heraklion, water consumption is increasing rapidly, and as a result problems regarding the quality and quantity of the water have surfaced. These problems become more acute especially during the summer months, as Crete is one of the most important tourist destinations in the world attracting thousands of visitors every year.
With the help of the WEAP management model, the current situation of the study area was recorded and its results were analyzed. In addition, future possible scenarios have been created to highlight potential problems related to the adequacy of water resources and the coverage of water supply, where they are presented extensively below. These scenarios simulate: the increase of the population, the increase of agriculture, the increase of hotel units and the increase of the daily average water consumption per person.
WEAP was conducted in the wider area of Malia - Hersonissos, where during the current situation there were problems with the coverage of water needs during the drought and high tourist season, mainly for irrigation. The implementation of the scenarios highlighted possible weaknesses in water demand and supply as well as depletion of aquifers, therefore the proper management of water resources is necessary.
