Springs and fountains on Mt Taygetos

The distribution of surface waters is unequal: while the Messenian side has practically no surface water, the Laconic side is fortunate to be ridged by permanent flow streams and supplied by several stable gushes in the contact area of the limestone with the impermeable rocks. The runoffs of the eastern face are concentrated in large streams and confluent with Evrotas river.

The spring waters are more equally distributed. The western part does not lack of springs, and some techniques to ensure relative adequacy had been developed in the past. On the eastern side the springs are abundant and have been played their role in the spatial planning and prosperity of the settlements. A typical example is Anavryti, where the development of tanning had been feasible thanks to the abundant spring water, reaching the settlement and branching within it via stone-built ditches.

Cisterns and wells aid the distribution of water resources and serve mainly the watering of the animals and less the water supply of the villages.