Can an environment-friendly management policy improve the overall performance of an artificial lake? Analysis of a multipurpose dam in Greece

► Bad management strategies in the operation of large reservoirs may have multiple negative impacts not only to the broader environmental quality but also to the hydrological performance of such projects, due to the dramatic decrease of their reliability. ► Based on a real-world case, we employ a multidisciplinary approach to compromise a number of contradictory water uses and criteria. ► We suggest to maintain the reservoir level above a minimum limit and to establish a constant release for agricultural uses. ► Our analysis with both synthetic and historical data ensures that all economic activities would benefit from this policy. ► Thus, the conflict between environmental protection and exploitation of water resources proved to have efficient technical solutions, although, in practice, it faced multiple social constraints.