Newsroom
Cyprus is grappling with one of its worst water crises in decades, with dam capacity falling to just 19.6% as of June 27, nearly half of what it was a year ago, officials confirmed.
Andreas Grigoriou, Director General of the Agriculture Ministry’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said the country is experiencing its third consecutive year of drought, and urgent steps are underway to stabilize the water supply. Despite the alarming conditions, Grigoriou ruled out immediate water cuts, citing sufficient reserves from dams, desalination plants, and boreholes.
Mobile desalination units in Moni, imported from the United Arab Emirates, are expected to begin operations in July, producing around 13,000 cubic meters of water daily. Additional mobile units are planned in Kissonerga and Limassol Port, with a fire-damaged plant in Kouklia slated for restoration by August. A legal challenge is delaying work on a new unit at the Garyllis River.
Government efforts also include €8 million in funding to reduce water losses and plans to install four mobile desalination units by 2025. Tenders for two large-scale plants, each with daily capacities of up to 80,000 cubic meters, are expected by year’s end.
Grigoriou emphasized that a long-term solution requires both infrastructure investment and public cooperation. “Every citizen must use water wisely,” he said.
Among Cyprus’ largest reservoirs, Kouris is just 16.7% full, and Asprokremmos stands at 19.5%. Several smaller dams, including Mavrokolymbos, are nearly or completely empty. Only Kalopanagiotis and Arminou show levels above 50%.
Officials warn that while emergency measures may ease pressure, rational water use remains critical amid ongoing drought conditions.
