I want my water back so stop building pools! Do you agree?
By katerina
@thea09 (18305)
Greece
July 25, 2009 3:10pm CST
I really want my water back and I want it now. It's hot, it's humid, probably the most humid day of the year, and I have no water. Again. This must be every night for the last month the water has gone off.
We don't have a lot of water round here. Don't get me wrong, it's not a life or death situation and I'm not about to suffer from dehydration but I want a shower. I want water to flow from my taps.
This is a tourist area with a low water supply. In the season when the water is low they divert it to the tourist village down the hill from me. I have no complaints about that, the tourists have saved hard for their 2 weeks in the sun and I for one don't begrudge them having first pick of the water. Really.
What I hate is the influx of foreigners with their second homes having pools put in. I can't name one local Greek with a pool. Why have a pool, after all we live in an area with a water shortage and there is a beautiful sea on the doorstep to swim in.
Do you agree that it is completely thoughtless of foreigners to go against the local tradition of the land they choose to move to and WASTE all our water?7 people like this
13 responses
@THEcreationist (837)
• India
26 Jul 09
Yeah, my friend, you are right. It is certainly a wastage of pure water, especially at a place where we have a water shortage. Moreover, we have a lot of water on earth to bathe but a very little amount to drink. So, it is a completely irresponsible behavior to waste such a precious resource. Alright, if you want to swim, have it in the sea, cann`t they understand this small thing. 
Happy Mylotting!!
Happy Mylotting!!2 people like this
@thea09 (18305)
• Greece
26 Jul 09
Hi my friend, once again I have tried to highlight your serious discussion for you, see my comment on yuganisi's response on page 1 of this.
I know, why can't they swin in the sea, it is clean, it is beautiful, it is nearby, there are beaches locally which suit all types. We will be heading down to the sea later on when it cools off a bit, downright foolhardy to be outside in the heat of the sun on a day like this, pool or sea.
1 person likes this
@THEcreationist (837)
• India
27 Jul 09
Hi, friend. I looked at your comment to yuganisi`s response. I am glad someone has been touched by that meek effort of mine.
Actually, my goal was not to get many responses to that discussion but to send my voice on water conservation to some people so that they may tell others, and they may tell some more people and so on to make a campaign. And, i believe i have done something useful as there is somebody who has taken a link from this chain, and that is you my friend.
Thanks very much for the work of spreading awareness. I have tried to personally spread the topic to people. One of my college friends, (named deathknight at mylot) is also carrying out the wonderful work. I recommend you and everybody else to at least have a look at this blog by him:
http://protectyourearth.blogspot.com/
Thanks for your comment. Happy Mylotting!!
@thedailyclick (3017)
•
25 Jul 09
I feel that anyone who is a guest in a foreign land, be it as a tourist or as someone who owns a property, should do their best to respect the customs, tradition and religion of the country. In my opinion it is the decent thing to do. So yes I agree that it is thoughtless of the foreigners to go against the local tradition of the land.
But not knowing how things work out in Greece, do these people have to get planning permission to build a pool or is it just a case you can do what you like on your land? If they have to get planning permission then part of the blame should go on the authorities for permitting it in the first place and should stand firm to protect the land and the rights of those who live there all year round.
2 people like this
@thea09 (18305)
• Greece
25 Jul 09
Hi Friend, unfortunately the powers that be are a bit laz on putting a stop on new buildings, maybe something to do with the large amount they receive to allow each building permission to be granted. I have a suspicion that many of the pools are permitless. People rush to get permissions which are valid for four years in case the powers that be start to change the law and put a stop to new buildings.
I agree incomers should respect local customs and maybe learning the language would be a good way to start.
@scarlet_woman (23463)
• United States
25 Jul 09
we have that same problem to an extent.they've built too many hotels here,and in summer we get very low to the point of rationing with the hotel tourists using up the water in the reservoir.the price of the water has gone up from usage too.
thankfully,it's been a rainy year this year,and we have more than usual..but it just makes me angry that they've allowed so many tourist catering things here at the expense of residents.
1 person likes this
@thea09 (18305)
• Greece
26 Jul 09
Hi scarlet woman, the water has just come back after 6 hours, not a lot of pressure but it's back.
So you have the same problem, it gets old real soon doesn't it. The hotels here are very small and hardly any have pools; we can't complain about the tourists using water as they are needed for the local economy. It is the private pools which make me angry as they are hardly used at all and are basically status symbols.
You are lucky in having more reserves this year. Despite this being one of the wettest winters ever most of it was wasted through leakage.
1 person likes this
@scarlet_woman (23463)
• United States
26 Jul 09
thankfully,there's a lot of areas not zoned for private pools-they just don't allow it with the houses as close together as they are,or the problem would be worse.
but the hotels more than make up for it.if someone messes up the pool (think kids)
they have to drain it.over and over.that's a whole lot of water.
tourism is a double edged sword.on the one hand,the money's needed for the town..but on the other..they can be annoying.and the people who move here permanently from elsewhere usually try to skirt the local rules until they get caught.
@thea09 (18305)
• Greece
26 Jul 09
Hi scarlet woman, skirting the rules as you say is actually a Greek national pastime - the authorities are too busy arguing politics to actually do anything and the local ones need the support of the local builders come election time to interfere too much in their dodgy techniques. The builders encourage the foreigners to have these pools as they are so used to breaking the rules themselves and will just tell them it's ok. I don't know what the outcome will be if they ever investigate the number of pools with planning permission.
1 person likes this
@Sweetchariot (1718)
• United States
28 Jul 09
WOW! I would say that is unfair for the locals. In my state, when we don't have much rain, and the river beds are low, the cities enforce a band on using water, except for your personal hygene, or cooking. They don't want people filling their pools or watering their grass, because the needs of the people need to be taken care of first.
Do the foreigners know that what they are doing takes away from the Locals?
Naturally, your country is gaining money from the tourists and foreigners that go there, but there comes a time when money should not be taken priority over the needs of the people.
1 person likes this
@thea09 (18305)
• Greece
28 Jul 09
Morning Sweetchariot, just as an aside I typed a response to your mingling with guests and keeping the house clean a total of 3 times yesterday and they all disappearedPromise to try again later.
Re the water believe me we had plenty of rain last winter, it was relentless, but lets just say the Greeks don't think ahead too much until they get threatened with an EU fine. So on one hand there would have been plenty of water for the summer if they ever came up with a decent method of not losing it all. The pool gripe of mine goes beyond just the water issue, the natural landscape here is breathtaking, the mountains, sea, beaches and endless olive groves. The latter are being destroyed in order to put said pools in and who wants to see them rather than the natural look. Presumably the natural beauty drew these people here and then they go about changing it in completely unnecessary ways to suit their own lifestyle.
Once again we had no water yesterday while the pool owners had the good fortune of being able to cool off in their pools - try 42 degrees C with no water
Promise to try again later.
Re the water believe me we had plenty of rain last winter, it was relentless, but lets just say the Greeks don't think ahead too much until they get threatened with an EU fine. So on one hand there would have been plenty of water for the summer if they ever came up with a decent method of not losing it all. The pool gripe of mine goes beyond just the water issue, the natural landscape here is breathtaking, the mountains, sea, beaches and endless olive groves. The latter are being destroyed in order to put said pools in and who wants to see them rather than the natural look. Presumably the natural beauty drew these people here and then they go about changing it in completely unnecessary ways to suit their own lifestyle.
Once again we had no water yesterday while the pool owners had the good fortune of being able to cool off in their pools - try 42 degrees C with no water@thea09 (18305)
• Greece
29 Jul 09
Hi Sweetchariot, well the local demoss are so busy making up so much beurocarcay for other things it isn't really top of the agenda. I started a discussion a couple of weeks back about running round for useless paperwork which covers one example of this. Probably it is about time to start raising the issue but now everything has stopped for a month for the Greek holidays, far too hot to do paperwork!
@Sweetchariot (1718)
• United States
28 Jul 09
Theo....did you ever think of coming up with a letter, and mailing it to these foreigners, letting them know what is taking place. Maybe some of them don't realize what is happening. I would certainly find a way to get the message across. That is so not right! Even if you did it annonymously 
...or have you ever approached them on the street, and kindly let them know?
...or have you ever approached them on the street, and kindly let them know?
@machizmo (279)
• United States
26 Jul 09
I will say this, last year when there was drought some local goverments actually limited people using pools, carwashes, etc. It shows just how dependent we were on water and what happens when we do not have as much available.
@thea09 (18305)
• Greece
26 Jul 09
Hi machizmo, the idea of bans on wasteful water practices hasn't been thought of yet, the whole situation is a mess. We have ample rainfall in winter but most of it is lost through leakage. In the UK they introduce hose pipe bans regularaly but here it's more a case of waterthe garden quickly as the water pressure is low so it may go off later!
1 person likes this
@ladym33 (10978)
• United States
25 Jul 09
In an area where there is a true water shortage it does seem to be such a waste for people to building, and filling up swimming pools. I am surprised the powers that be in your area do not restrict that sort of thing. They are probably not aware of the problem, and perhaps should be informed of the water shortage and the problems that swimming pools cause for the area. Perhaps they may choose to move somewhere else.
@thea09 (18305)
• Greece
25 Jul 09
Hi ladym, I totally agree with you in the waste of water to fill swimming pools. The powers that be don't seem to deal with this, even when there is low water there are many broken pipes which leak water like streams and aren't fixed immediately.
I am sure that the people with pools are aware of the water shortage as they won't have any coming through their taps, however they can always cool off in their lovely pools or take a bucket of water from it to flush their loo.
@ANTIQUELADY (36440)
• United States
25 Jul 09
With a shortage on water u would think that it would be in the building code that pools aren't allowed. It is not fair for y'all to be doing w/out water for that. I had alot rather have a good shower than go swimming. Why don't u take a bar of soap to the closest pool & jump in.
. i'd be tempted to if i couldn't have a shower.
. i'd be tempted to if i couldn't have a shower.@thea09 (18305)
• Greece
25 Jul 09
Hi antiquelady, the building laws are a bit slapdash around here and I think that many people sneak their pools in without permission, encouraged by the builders who want to make as much as they can on each build. I'm sure a lot of it too is to do with wanting to outdo each other - can't not have a pool if the friend has one.
On days like this with the temp over 100 degrees and total thick humidity the craving for a shower is relentless. I take on board your suggestion that i hop in the nearest pool but I'm not likey to be invited as my disdain for these pools is known.
@thea09 (18305)
• Greece
25 Jul 09
Oh I'm far too polite to just jump in. My son joins in my rants about they ought to swim in the sea whilst sighing wearily as he wants to jump in the pools. His advice is to run round at night with a bottle of washing up liquid but I'm far too law abiding.
1 person likes this
@yugasini (12892)
• Secunderabad, India
26 Jul 09
hi thea,
i think water problem is in our area only,you to have the problem with water ok ok...have a nice day how it be without proper water hey hey
@yugasini (12892)
• Secunderabad, India
26 Jul 09
hi thea,
wish you all the best in your venture...have a nice day
@thea09 (18305)
• Greece
26 Jul 09
Hi yugasini, I really do appreciate that other areas have NO water at all and this is one of the most serious matters in the world. Unfortuantely my friend 'Thecreationst' received little response when he introduced this as a serious topic to draw attention to the horrendous practice of selling blood in exchange for water. I hope that you can look at that discussion and respond and bring it back to the top of the lists, his observations were far more important than mine and it was terribe to see the lack of interest in ths subject, please try and take a look.
My topic here I introduced as non life threatening, just annoying, but as the situation gets worse in areas like this in time it WILL become a major problem only previously associated with other parts of the world.
@Sandra1952 (6047)
• Spain
26 Jul 09
Thea, I think you have the same problem there that we have in Spain - too many people move abroad to recreate England in the sun, and have no intention of integrating with the locals. We don't have problems with the water here, as they desalinate water from the salt lakes if necessary, but it sounds as if you have real problems there.
What are the local authorities doing to alleviate the situation? I mean, surely they have to grant planning permission for swimming pools, and if the water situation is critical, that permission should be refused. We live on an urbanisation with a communal swimming pool, and we are about 15 minutes drive from the sea, but if I had the sea on my doorstep, I wouldn't even contemplate a pool.
1 person likes this
@thea09 (18305)
• Greece
26 Jul 09
Hello Sandra, yes I agree, it does seem to be the English who are mainly installing these private pools and generally for a household of only two people. From my observations they are rarely used except to show off to visitors. I appreciate that it is difficult for them to integrate as they don't speak Greek in most cases. This is not all cases of course but the ones that do integrate don't go around building pools as tend to be more sensitive to local issues.
It is good to hear that you have an adequate water supply in your area, here I understand that one possible solution which is being considered by sceintists is that they tap into the resource of natural underwater springs under the sea of which we have many locally. It will be interesting to see if anything comes of this. The rapid expansion of the area will force the authorities to one day face up to the increasing problem of the water situation but for now it is slowly slowly in the typical Greek fashion. The main irony here is as you say the sea is on the doorstep.
@checkmail (2039)
• India
26 Jul 09
Hello thea09 this is checkmail and yes i agree with you, you must get the required water supply and some more of it.This is not fair to divert the consumers water supply to the commercial pools, and at least not for money.Well have some discussion with the water supply authority and explain them your problem and try to get your water back.It is also called wastage of resources if not utilised properly especially o human daily basic purpose.GoodLuck.
@thea09 (18305)
• Greece
26 Jul 09
Hi checkmail, it is actually private pools I was referring to not commercial ones, we don't really have those around here. Like many things here the water authorities have not yet entered the modern age. I was really trying to draw attention to the water wastage indulged in by a few at the expense of many. Nice to speak with you again.
@Iriene88 (5343)
• Malaysia
26 Jul 09
Dear thea09,
I have not been to Greece, the closest I've been was
Central Europe, Eastern Europe & Spain. Only after
reading your dicussion, then I realised that you all facing
some water difficulties. If this is the case, then it is truly
UNFAIR - one shouldn't enjoy by depriving others' right!
Do your town have some political representative where the
community can lodge a complaint? The foreigners may not aware
or they just don't bother..because everywhere is the same
"MONEY SPEAKS LOUDER"! Perhaps the local council or local
government should work out some plans to resolve this matter!
Is there any alternative source of water...
Do something about it, someone should stand up and speak out!
All the best for GREECE.... and the people of GREECE!
@thea09 (18305)
• Greece
26 Jul 09
Hi Iriene, I was actually discussing this with someone tonight who told me that a village about 8 kms north of here, higher in the mountains, has had no water for 10 days but they are old timer folks who just shrug it off as life. But apparently there used to be a link between water supplies with a neighouring village which has fallen into disrepair many years before now, so it seems in the past they took more care of the issue than they do now.
Certainly it is a case that the powers that be spend more time arguing over politics rather than getting anything done and essentially there isn't a water shortage as such just there is no water because it is all wasted through leakage which no one addresses as a problem.
1 person likes this
