Last week, Durk Krol, Water Europe’s Executive Director visited the Municipal Water and Sewerage Company of Larissa (DEYAL). The meeting was initiated by Chrysi Laspidou, the University of Thessaly’s Vice-Rector for Innovation, Internationalization, Partnerships and Digital Governance, and Professor of Civil Engineering who served as Vice-President of Water Europe for four years.
Chrysi Laspidou spoke about Water Europe and its activities, highlighting the opportunities created when a water utility joins the European network, including direct access to Brussels officials, up-to-date information on policy developments and European funding in the water sector, high-level contacts with Europe’s largest water companies, documentation of best practices, partnerships, introduction of innovation and digitalization in operations, participation in Expert Groups and more.
During the meeting, the Vice-President of DEYAL, Mr. Konstantinos Argyropoulos, conveyed to Mr. Krol the company’s intention, supported by the Mayor of Larissa and DEYAL’s President, Mr. Athanasios Mamako, to join Water Europe as a member. The University of Thessaly has been a member of Water Europe for many years, while the only Greek water utility currently in the network is EYDAP. Thus, following the largest state-owned water company in the country (EYDAP), it is now time for DEYAL, the largest municipal water company in Greece to join, as well.
Durk Krol toured the company’s facilities and was impressed by DEYAL’s approach to agriculture water use and their innovative technology, the smart irrigation card system for farmers.
Water Europe looks forward to welcoming DEYAL into the Water Europe community and working together towards a Water-Smart Society.
