DEYAK to use special device for detecting hidden water leakages
CORFU. Extensive leakages from the damaged network, high consumption, drought, and financial debts constitute the explosive mix creating water scarcity, says Central Corfu Mayor.
The DEYAK pipeline network resembles a sieve, with the water supply problem escalating. The hidden damages underground, combined with unusually high consumption for this season, are causing the levels of the central reservoirs to drop so much that DEYAK shuts off the water for three hours at night, from 1 a.m. to 4 a.m., to allow time for the reserves to replenish. The side effects of the continuous interruptions, as explained by the Mayor of Central Corfu, include air entering the pipes, resulting in the water supply to high areas of the town (e.g., Lofos Kogevina, Analipsi) being difficult to restore during the day.
Unprecedented Consumption
A damaged network, high consumption, drought, and financial debts constitute an explosive mix that has brought water scarcity to critical levels, according to Stefanos Poulimenos.
The ticking time bomb of the water supply network exploded with the onset of the 'flagship' tourism season, which still has an entire season ahead and with increased expectations of visitor numbers. He states that the daily water consumption in Corfu Town is 18,600 cubic metres, an amount typically observed at the peak of the tourist season and not in May.
The Mayor and the President of DEYAK describe a grim situation, which is worsening over time since the individual Regional Authority interventions have not radically solved the town's network problem.
Detector Device
According to the President of DEYAK, the most significant problem is the hidden damage causing substantial water resource leaks. The network is not mapped, and DEYAK has no way to detect these hidden damages. For this reason, they will lease a special device that will scan underground to detect leaks in the main pipeline network.
"Given our situation, we will operate like an emergency medical service," Achilleas Mazis told Enimerosi, with the next step being the repair of the underground damages to ensure the summer proceeds with the fewest possible losses. Temporary staff have already been hired, and some vehicles purchased to ensure operational capabilities. In the next phase, DEYAK has planned to purchase a device costing approximately 15,000 euros to quickly detect localised damages in the future.
For the funding of these works, DEYAK has sent a request for emergency aid to the Deputy Minister of the Interior, Th. Livanios. Additionally, the Mayor will submit a detailed memorandum to the Prime Minister, who will be in Corfu on Monday.
CHRISTINA GEREKOU
