Cincinnati researchers document environmental problems caused by tourist trad...( n August she will head to cooler clima...)

In addition to the wetland, Wray has concentrated his energy this summer on the water management challenges of Hersonissos. Historically, Crete has been an island with plenty of fresh water sources, but the boom in tourism that began 30 years ago has changed that, as well as the increasing use of agricultural irrigation. Tourism boosts the water demand by about 1000 percent daily. While some say there are no water shortages, Wray says that villagers sometimes tell another story, complaining they only have water available a few days a week at certain times of the day. "It's hard to know who is right and who is wrong," he says.

In either case, Wray hopes the municipality will follow through on his recommendation to develop a comprehensive water management plan. "If they do so, Hersonissos would be the first in Crete to adopt such a comprehensive plan and can serve as a model for other municipalities," he says.

Currently only 3 percent of Crete's annual rainfall is used for island water use, Wray says; the rest represents an untapped source that could be used for non-potable purposes such as agriculture, laundry and more. Returning to traditional water storage methods such as cisterns would help to decrease the reliance on other sources of water in each community.

Wray commends the city for its construction of a new wastewater treatment plant, which is expected to begin operations within the year.

The biologist also is recommending:
*A study of the use and impacts of katsigaros, the by-product of olive oil:This residue stands in pond-sized open basins and the residual deposits create a strong odor. Katsigaros should be monitored to make sure the basins are constructed properly to insure that the residue do
'"/>

Contact: Marianne Kunnen-Jones
marianne.kunnen-jones@uc.edu
513-556-1826
University of Cincinnati
24-Jul-2000