Water Supply and Billing Issues in Artemida: A Practical FAQ for Foreign Residents
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If you’ve recently moved to the Municipality of Spata-Artemida you might be surprised to find that you haven’t received any water bills for months, or that when they do arrive, they refer to past years and may involve unexpectedly high charges. This is not an error or a personal oversight - it's part of a long-standing local issue that has affected thousands of residents for more than a decade.
In this FAQ guide, we explain everything you need to know about how the local water billing system works:
- Why water bills often arrive late (sometimes years later),
- What you need to do when moving into a new home,
- How to avoid being charged for previous tenants’ water usage,
- And what changes the municipality is making to improve the situation.
Whether you are a tenant, homeowner, or landlord, this guide will help you understand the system, prevent surprises, and stay informed about your obligations and rights regarding water service in Artemida.Why are there such long delays in water billing in Artemida?
The problem dates back to 2012, when the former municipalities of Spata and Artemida were merged. Around that time, water tariffs increased significantly, and many residents challenged the changes in court. As a result, the municipality temporarily stopped issuing bills. The system has never fully recovered, leading to ongoing delays, especially due to the backlog of old unissued bills.
How can I make sure I won’t be charged for water used by a previous tenant?
If you’re renting or recently purchased a property, it’s crucial to record the meter reading on the day you take over the property. In the past, many residents have received bills that included consumption from former tenants. Since bills are issued with such long delays, it's possible you’ll receive one for a period during which you didn’t live there.
If no bills are coming, how can I find out what I owe?
You can contact the Water Service Department of the Municipality directly. If you provide the supply number or meter details, they can check the recorded consumption and let you know when the next bill might be issued.
Is it risky not to pay anything for a long time? Could I get a huge bill later?
Yes, that’s very possible. This is why many residents have raised concerns. When a bill finally arrives, it might cover consumption for several months or even years, resulting in a large total amount. It’s a good idea to monitor your meter regularly and set aside money in case of a future bill.
I noticed high usage on my meter, but no one has come to read it. Is that normal?
Meter readings do take place, but not always on a regular schedule. The municipality has started replacing old meters with new digital ones that support automatic readings in the future. However, for now, manual readings still happen and may be delayed.
Where can I submit applications related to water supply or sewage services in Spata-Artemida Municipality?
If you need to request documents or submit forms regarding water supply or sewage services, please visit the Municipality’s e-Services portal. There, you can find detailed information on each type of request, the required documents, and you can fill out and submit the applications online.
e-Services Portal: https://www.spata-artemis.gr/e-services/services.html#ydreusi-anc
Contact Numbers:
- Spata: +30 2132007300
- Artemida: +30 2294086666, +30 2294320612
What should I do if I receive a water bill covering 2 or 3 years and the amount is high?
You can request a payment plan from the municipal finance department. In some cases, they’ll recheck the data, and if there’s an error or unusually high consumption (such as from a leak), they might adjust the bill accordingly.
Will the billing system improve in the future? Will bills be sent out on time?
The municipality has started modernizing the system - with new digital meters and online payment options. However, the process is gradual and depends on clearing the backlog of past billing periods. A fully regular billing cycle hasn’t yet been achieved.
Can I pay my water bills online?
Yes. The Municipality offers an online payment platform, and e-banking is supported. However, most bills are still sent in paper format via regular mail, not by email.
Where can I update the details on my water account (e.g. ownership or tenancy)?
To change the name on the water account (e.g. new owner or tenant), visit the Water Service Department with a copy of the rental or purchase agreement and a meter reading from the day the change took place. This will help ensure you’re only charged for your own consumption.
What should I do if I suspect a water leak?
If you notice an unusual increase in consumption, check your meter. If the meter dial is moving while no water is being used, there might be a leak. Contact a plumber or the municipality's water service for assistance.
What time periods are covered by the bills being issued now?
It depends on the property. Bills issued in 2025 might reflect consumption from as far back as 2022 or even 2021.
Are water meter readings taken regularly?
Yes, but not on a fixed schedule. Municipal staff take readings from time to time, but due to delays, the data is often recorded long before bills are actually issued.
Can I request a final or summary bill?
Yes. If you’re moving out and haven’t received any bills yet, you can request a final bill for the period you lived at the property. This allows you to settle your account before leaving.
How can I monitor my own water usage?
Check your meter regularly - for example, once a month - and keep a record of the readings. If you notice a sudden spike in usage without any change in your habits, contact the water department right away.
The water supply system in the Municipality of Spata-Artemida has some particularities that may surprise you - especially if you're a new resident. We hope this guide helped you better understand how water billing works, what the basic procedures are, and what to watch out for to avoid confusion or inconvenience.
If you have any questions or need further clarification, don’t hesitate to contact the relevant municipal service. If you have personal experience or would like to share something important on the topic, feel free to leave a comment - your input could help others, especially new residents facing the same questions.
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