Cyprus is bracing for a severe summer water shortage, with authorities urging immediate action to curb wastage and ensure supply for all.

Deputy director of the Water Development Department (WDD), Giorgos Kazantzis, outlined the department’s multi-faceted approach to tackling the crisis, warning that water reserves are alarmingly low.

Speaking to CNA, Kazantzis revealed that reservoir levels stood at just 26 per cent as of January 31, an extremely low figure due to the second consecutive year of intense drought. The situation has been further exacerbated by the shutdown of the Paphos desalination plant, which is now expected to resume operations in August, and the need to drain the Mavrokolympos reservoir after the recent leak.

Authorities are prioritising water conservation and alternative supply methods. Desalination projects form a key part of the strategy, with a new plant in Kissonerga, capable of producing 10,000 cubic metres of water per day, set to be constructed between September and October.

In addition, the government is exploring options to secure desalinated water before the summer. Plans are also underway for a brackish water desalination unit in the Garylli area of Limassol, expected to be completed by the end of the year.

To supplement the water supply, the WDD, in collaboration with the geological survey department, are examining ways to integrate unused boreholes, including private ones, into the system. Additionally, discussions are ongoing with hotel owners and farmers about possibly constructing private desalination plants to help alleviate the crisis.

Measures to reduce water loss from distribution networks are also being promoted in cooperation with the Cyprus local district administrations (EOAs).

The impact of the drought on agriculture is expected to be severe, with irrigation allocations significantly reduced compared to previous years. Kazantzis confirmed that the priority will be to support professional farmers and maintain permanent plantations, while seasonal crops will receive whatever limited water remains.

In collaboration with the press and information office (PIO), the WDD is launching an awareness campaign to encourage responsible water consumption. Kazantzis warned that Cyprus is facing one of its toughest summers in recent years, calling for collective action to prevent a worsening crisis. He stressed the importance of limiting water use to what is truly necessary and eliminating waste, urging the public to play their part in ensuring that resources remain available for all.