Strengthening Water Resilience in Syros: Insights from the RECREATE General Assembly
From 7-9 May 2025, RECREATE partners from across Europe gathered in Syros, Greece for the project's third General Assembly. As one of the four regional case studies, Syros offered an ideal setting to align on progress and explore how Alternative Water Resources can support real-world climate adaptation.
We spoke with Dimitrios Vakondios (Technical Manager, Municipal Water Supply and Sewerage Company of Syros – D.E.Y.A.S.) and Ioannis Zarikos (Postdoctoral Researcher, National Center for Scientific Research "Demokritos") about the goals and impact of the Syros case study, and what it means to host the project's partners on the island.
A new water future for Syros
"RECREATE's case study in Syros […] is vital for our island, which has poor-quality underground water," says Dimitrios. "That affects agriculture, so [by reclaiming and reusing water] farmers gain from this, the environment gains and D.E.Y.A.S. gains too, because we reduce consumption from the potable supply network by using the reusable water network.
As part of the case study, the team is not only reclaiming water but also digitising the island's water infrastructure. "We are working towards a digital twin of the network," explains Ioannis. "This will help plan future extensions" and optimise operations. It is a tool that supports smarter, more resilient water management.
And importantly, instead of releasing desalinated water or treated wastewater back into the sea, Syros is "enlarging the circle of life" for its water, maximising its use through innovative reuse.
From concept to culture shift
Syros case study is a collaborative effort between D.E.Y.A.S., NCSR Demokritos and the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), where they bridge operational know-how, scientific modelling and stakeholder engagement.
"D.E.Y.A.S. brings the infrastructure, the data and the [real-world challenges]," says Ioannis. "Demokritos supports social engagement through the Community of Practice and leads the groundwater modelling. NTUA supports both teams with the modelling tools we need to understand the network and plan effectively."
Together, they are not only testing solutions but changing mindsets. Reclaimed water was once met with scepticism. But thanks to RECREATE, local farmers are beginning to request similar reuse systems elsewhere on the island. As Ioannis noted, this case study is not just about infrastructure, it is about building trust, raising awareness and creating a new culture of water reuse.
Why Syros matters
Hosting the General Assembly in Syros allowed partners to see the challenges and progress first-hand. "Connecting with other countries and hearing about their challenges really opens our minds," says Dimitrios. While Syros faces ongoing water scarcity, other areas like North Holland experience an abundance of water. These exchanges, he noted, encourage new perspectives and mutual learning.
For the local team, it was a chance to bring global expertise to a small community, and to show residents that they are part of something bigger. "It is always good for small communities to see experts from abroad visiting and engaging," adds Ioannis. "Even people we spoke with outside the meeting were impressed, it builds trust and shows that real support is coming to help solve local problems."
Looking ahead
As the RECREATE project moves forward, Syros case study will remain a key example of how reclaimed water, digital innovation and cross-sector collaboration can translate into tangible solutions and drive sustainable water management. Its work will not only support local water resilience but also offer valuable lessons for other water-scarce regions across Europe facing similar climate challenges.
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