Abstract
Eastern Mediterranean region is characterized by water resources scarcity while climate change is expected to has adverse impact on them. Shortage of water resources requires their rational management to meet the water needs. The water resources in the island of Crete, Greece are studied in light of climate change analyzing their supply and the use of nonconventional water resources. The increase in tourism industry and the decrease in precipitation due to climate change in the future is going to affect the water supply and demand in the island. The study has been conducted reviewing the existing literature. It is indicated that Crete under normal meteorological conditions is water sufficient while water consumption per capita is significantly higher compared to other Mediterranean islands. The island uses mainly subsurface water resources while around 80% of total water consumption is used in agriculture. The water consumption in agriculture per capita in Crete is significantly higher than in other Mediterranean islands indicating the low efficiency in water use in agriculture. Increase in water supply in Crete can be achieved with several ways including the increase in the volume of man-made reservoirs, the increase of water in subsurface aquifers and the decrease of their pollution, the reduction of losses in water distribution networks, the increase of desalinated water production, the reuse of treated sewage effluents et cetera. The results could be useful to policy makers and to stakeholders of the water resources in Crete.