Expansions with Sustainable Design

Anthimos Amanatidis, CEO of EYATH, discussed sustainable design for water supply and sewerage companies—such as EYATH—and expansion plans in Chalkidiki. He spoke during the “Environment, Sustainability, and Sustainable Design” panel at the 9th Development Conference held yesterday in Thessaloniki.

After noting that the company is not a manager of water resources—meaning it does not formulate national strategies—Mr. Amanatidis clarified: “We shape operational scenarios by utilizing the findings of expert scientists and developing alternative solutions that are both realistic and sustainable. Our actions follow two main axes: modernizing our infrastructure for optimal water cycle management and increasing available water resources. We are examining measures to reduce our reliance on a single primary water source by leveraging alternatives—such as desalination—and creating storage facilities and reservoirs.” As he explained, through the use of new technologies and artificial intelligence applications in network management, “we are improving our response to extreme weather events,” while he placed particular emphasis on public awareness campaigns aimed at helping consumers understand that water is a finite—and therefore precious—resource.

Regarding network expansions into neighbouring municipalities—and Chalkidiki in particular—Mr. Amanatidis clarified that preparatory work has already been carried out. This work entails the rationalization of water usage (e.g., hotel swimming pools), infrastructure upgrades, and, naturally, the identification of new water sources. He made it clear that “we are obviously committed to a sustainable future for water supply and sanitation across all areas currently under our jurisdiction or those that will come within our scope of responsibility.”

“We have launched a major €21.7 million investment project to double the capacity of the Thessaloniki Water Treatment Plant in Nea Ionia—a project that will add daily an additional 150,000 cubic meters of water capacity to the existing supply, so that we can ‘reach’ new areas—such as Mygdonia, the Municipality of Thermaikos, and others—while, in the meantime, specific infrastructure projects, networks, and storage facilities required for our expansion are being implemented,” said Mr. Amanatidis.

When asked about EYATH’s contribution to the flood-protection works needed in Thessaloniki, he emphasized that problematic areas had been identified, like Agion Panton, the Port, and the White Tower—locations where interventions are absolutely necessary—and noted that, within the framework of cooperation with the Region of Central Macedonia, studies for these specific projects have already been completed.

The Thessaloniki Development Conference is organized annually by the Hellenic Institute for Research and Development (ELINEKA) and the “Political Diary – Thessaloniki Agenda,” with the support of the newspaper *Politiki* and the news website MyPortal.gr.