The satellite images of Lake Mornos side by side clearly illustrate the dramatic decline in the size of the artificial reservoir, located in Central Greece, a primary and vital source of water for Athens.
Between January 2022 and October 2025, in a span of less than four years, the lake lost nearly half of its total water volume. The surface water extent decreased from approximately 19.1 square kilometers to a concerning 8.7.
Satellite images show recession of Mornos Lake
The Copernicus Sentinel-2 satellite images vividly show the recession of the lake, revealing large, barren stretches of former shoreline and lakebed, particularly around the narrow central section and near the dam structure.
The community of Lidoriki (visible in the image) is now situated much closer to the exposed ground rather than the water’s edge, indicating the spatial extent of the decline.
The decrease is attributed to prolonged drought and reduced rainfall in recent years. This is part of a broader, climate change-driven trend affecting the Mediterranean region.
Warmer surface temperatures exacerbate the problem by significantly increasing the rate of water loss due to evaporation.
As the water level drops, the entire water management system of Athens—run by the EYDAP water company—comes under severe stress. The reduced volume affects the efficiency of the dam’s operation and the quality of the water that can be drawn from the lower depths of the reservoir.
Implications for Athens and Central Greece
The decline of Lake Mornos poses a direct threat to the water supply and local ecosystems. The reservoir is connected to Athens via a vast water network and an aqueduct. The depletion of Mornos places immense pressure on Athens’ other water sources, such as Lake Yliki and Lake Marathon.
The visible loss of water volume has severe consequences for the local environment surrounding the dam and the former lakebed. For instance:
- The rapid reduction in water depth and surface area disrupts aquatic habitats, affecting fish populations and the broader local wildlife that depend on the lake.
- The exposed lakebed, now subject to wind and rain, can suffer from erosion, affecting soil quality and potentially increasing sedimentation once the water levels eventually rise.
- The local communities, such as Lidoriki, which may rely on the reservoir for tourism or related activities, face economic hardship.
Related: Greece’s Growing Thirst: The Looming Water Scarcity
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