Cyprus faces a water crisis: dam water levels drop to 11%

Cypriot authorities warn of a growing water crisis: due to lack of rainfall and ongoing drought, water reserves on the island are rapidly decreasing. According to the Water Development Department (WDD), without significant precipitation in the coming months, the country may face serious water supply disruptions.

Senior engineer Yianna Economidu noted that Cyprus is entering its fourth consecutive dry year. Currently, dam water levels are only 11% of total capacity — about 32 million cubic meters, whereas at the same time last year reserves reached 77 million cubic meters.

The most vulnerable areas remain those dependent on the Southern Water Pipeline, including Limassol, Larnaca, Nicosia, and Famagusta. According to experts, if the current trend continues, these regions may face water supply disruptions already this winter.

Some improvement is observed in the Paphos area, where the desalination plant between Mandria and Kouklia, damaged by a fire in December 2024, has been restored. Additional units have also been commissioned in the Kissonerga section, and they are expected to reach full capacity by November.

The agricultural sector is particularly hard-hit. WDD has already warned farmers that irrigation water volumes will be significantly reduced in 2026. In response, the government launched a support program for private mini-desalination units with a capacity of up to 1,500 cubic meters per day. These systems will be partially subsidized and intended for farmers and businesses in coastal areas.

Experts link the current crisis to climate change, reduced rainfall, and outdated water supply infrastructure. Without urgent measures, Cyprus risks consequences not only for agriculture but also for domestic and tourism sectors.