Nicosia households could see water cuts despite government reassurances

Nicosia households could see their taps run dry as the city faces potential water cuts, the Nicosia Water Authority (EOA) warned Thursday, responding to a proposed 10% reduction in supply from government water projects. Officials said the cuts, unlike in other districts, would directly affect residents who have no alternative sources like dams or boreholes.

“The city’s network is clear: a 10% cut to the reservoirs forces alternating water supply, essentially water every other day,” the EOA said. “Entire sections of the network would be shut off, straining pipes and risking leaks when normal supply resumes.”

The Water Development Department (WDD) has described the reduction as preventive, intended to curb overconsumption. It said residents who reduce daily water use by roughly 10% would see little impact on daily life.

The EOA, however, questioned that assumption, noting that during past cuts from 2008 to 2010, household consumption remained largely unchanged. Many homes had tanks capable of storing enough water, while some residents even installed larger tanks.

“Past water-saving campaigns have not led to measurable reductions,” the authority said, pointing to the increasing pressure of climate change, rising temperatures, and growing demand due to development. Delays in implementing a new pricing policy to curb overuse have also worsened the situation, officials added.

“The reality is that for Nicosia, network cuts translate into cuts for households,” the EOA said. “We need guarantees that any reductions will be applied fairly and that our residents are not penalized again.”

The authority urged the WDD to provide clear strategies before implementing cuts, warning that without careful management, residents will bear the brunt of the shortage.