Volume 7 - 2005

The Water Framework Directive 2000/60 is a characteristic example of modern European
environmental policy, based upon advanced environmental principles. Is reflects a gradual
convergence between actual European political consensus on environmental matters and
positions of the green movements. Most important ecological dimensions of the WFD 2000/60
are: the consideration of water as a social and ecological good; the target of upgrading
ecological quality of all water bodies; the recovery of water cost as a regulating instrument for
rational management; the development of protection and suitable organization of the water
uses, as well as of a collective responsibility for management in the level of water basin; the
investigation of biological together with geomorphologic and physicochemical parameters in
the framework of a reliable monitoring system.

Estimation of annual water balance is critical for water management and developmental
planning in the area of Anthemountas river basin. In the framework of
LIFE04/ENV/GR/000099 project and in continuance to prior projects in the area, the
average annual water balance was estimated using the annual precipitation and water
consumption. The statistic relationship between elevation and precipitation measured at
different stations in the greater area, was applied to the Digital Elevation Model (DEM)
(accuracy 20X20m) and the spatial distribution of annual precipitation is calculated for
the Anthemountas river basin. Consumption of underground water was analytically
calculated based on the different types of agricultural activities as annually reported by
the Ministry of Agriculture. The Domestic water consumption was also calculated.
Evaportranspiration is estimated analytically using two different methods (Thorthwaite’s
and Turk’s). Both methods gave similar results.
Moreover the spatial distribution of infiltration and runoff coefficients were calculated
taking into consideration the different geological features, since they determine the
maximum value of the infiltration coefficient, and the CORINE land coverage
classification assuming no infiltration at builded areas. All the above were calculated and
presented in raster format using the ESRI ArcGIS 9 environment.
The correlation between the negative water balance and the drop of the underground
water level, as this was pictured through underground water level measurements in the
past decade, was discussed and evaluated. To further understand the relationship
between the negative water balance and the spatial distribution of the underground
water level drop, the most consuming wells in the Anthemountas river basin are
distributed and categorized based on consumption estimates.
Future work should assess more precise land coverage dataset in order to produce
spatial distribution of evaportranspiration. At the same time, precise precipitation
datasets, that will be produced by the meteorological monitoring network, that is to be
established in the LIFE04/ENV/GR/000099 project framework, will provide more
accurate estimates of precipitation distribution. This will lead to the determination of
more accurate estimates for both infiltration and runoff in the basin. Data monitoring,
assessment and water balance estimation are valuable tools in a step-by-step
procedure towards the achievement of sustainable use of water in the river basin of
Anthemountas.

The assessment of the applicability and suitability of potential measures and instruments
is crucial in the strategic planning of water resources management. This paper presents a
methodology founded on scenario analysis for assessing potentially applicable water
management options in a regional context with respect to their efficiency, extent of
application, cost and environmental impact.
Formulation, analysis and evaluation of the different scenarios are performed through a
developed GIS-based Decision Support System (DSS). Selected options can be
simulated under varying availability and demand conditions, so as to monitor their
performance and define the extent of their applicability. The behaviour of the water
system is subsequently assessed and evaluated for each examined option in comparison
to a baseline scenario. The evaluation, based on computation of indicators and multicriteria
analysis, evolves around and reflects the principles of Integrated Water
Resources Management, Economic Efficiency, Environmental Sustainability, and Social
Equity. Temporal aggregation of indicator time series is conducted through the
computation of appropriate statistical criteria. Additional aspects that are addressed
concern the computation of the total cost incurred by water uses and provision of water
services, including Financial (Direct) costs, Resource costs, and Environmental costs
from pollution and (over) abstraction. Finally, indicator values can be used to derive a
Performance Matrix, which permits the ranking of the identified options and the selection
of those that are deemed most appropriate for the formulation of strategic plans.
Modelled management options pertain to four categories: Measures related with Supply
Enhancement, introducing new structural interventions to increase water availability;
Measures of Demand Management, aiming to control and limit water demands and
wasteful water use; Regional Development measures, affecting socio-economic
preferences and finally Institutional policies, such as alternative water pricing structures
and economic incentives.
The methodology is demonstrated through an application in the case of Paros Island,
Greece, where the developing tourist industry creates large seasonal peaks in water
demand, requiring the selection of appropriate mitigation methods. Scenarios were
formulated and evaluated for water management options identified by local Stakeholders
and proposed in existing management plans.

The Plastiras dam was constructed in the late 1950s mainly for electric power production,
but it has also partially covered irrigation needs and water supply of the plain of Thessaly.
Later, the site has been designated as an environment conservation zone because of
ecological and landscape values, while tourist activities have been developed around the
reservoir. Irrigation of agricultural land, hydroelectric production, drinking water supply,
tourism, ecosystem water quality and scenery conservation have evidently been conflicting
targets for many years. Good management would require a multi-criteria decision making.
Historical data show that the irregular water release has resulted in a great annual
fluctuation of the reservoir water level. This situation could be improved by a rational
management of abstractions. Apparently, higher release leads simultaneously to more
power production and to irrigation of a larger agricultural land. Moreover, demands for
electricity and for irrigation are partially competing to each other, due to different optimal
time schedules of releases. On the other hand, higher water release leads to lower water
level in the reservoir and, therefore, it decreases the beauty of the scenery and
deteriorates the trophic state of the lake. Such degradation affects the tourist potential as
well as the quality of drinking water supplied by the reservoir.
A multi-criteria approach uses different scenarios for the minimum permissible water level
of the reservoir, if a constant annual release is applied. The minimum level concept is a
simple and functional tool, because it is understood by people, easily certified and
incorporated into regulations. The quantity of water that would be yearly available is a
function of the minimum level allowed. The water quality depends upon the trophic state of
the lake, mainly the concentration of chlorophyll-a, which determines the state of
eutrophication and is estimated by water quality simulation models, taking into account
pollutant loads such as nitrogen and phosphorus. The value of the landscape is much
depending on the water level of the lake, because for lower levels a dead-zone appears
between the surface of the water and the surrounding vegetation. When this dead zone is
large, it seems lifeless and the lake appears partially empty. Quantification of this visual
effect is not easy, but it is possible to establish a correspondence between the aesthetic
assessment of the scenery and the minimum allowed reservoir level.
Using results from hydrological analysis, water quality models and landscape evaluation,
it seems possible to construct a multi-criteria table with different criteria described against
alternatives and with a plot of three relative indices against the minimum level allowed.
However, decision making has to take into account the fact that comparison or merging of
indices corresponding to different criteria analysis encompasses a degree of
arbitrariness. More objective decisions would be possible if different benefits and costs
were measured in a common unit. Moreover, management will be sensitive to different
social pressures.