Cyprus Faces Severe Water Crisis Amid Record Drought

Cyprus is experiencing a significant water crisis, marked by the worst drought in living memory. Authorities have urged residents to reduce water consumption by 10%, equating to a mere two minutes less of daily running water. This appeal coincides with a €31 million emergency package as reservoirs have reached record lows, with the Kouris reservoir at just 12.2% of its capacity. Water reserves across the island stand at 13.7% of total storage, a stark decline from 26% at the same time last year. Eliana Tofa Christidou, head of the Water Development Department, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “Times are critical and every drop now counts.”

The GuardianThree-day rainfall brings relief to Cyprus dams but drought threat remains

The crisis is exacerbated by rising temperatures, which are increasing at a rate 20% faster than the global average, leading to severe pressure on freshwater resources. Annual rainfall has decreased by approximately 15% since 1901, while water demand has surged by 300% due to population growth and tourism, with three million visitors annually. The mean per capita water consumption in Cyprus is around 500 liters per day, significantly higher than the European average of 120 liters.

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In response to the crisis, Cyprus has initiated a public awareness campaign aimed at reducing water usage. The government is also implementing measures such as wastewater reuse and fixing leaks in local networks, where up to 40% of water is lost. Financial support will be provided to households for water-saving appliances. The latest emergency package marks the sixth such initiative, with a total of €200 million allocated to improve water infrastructure, including the installation of desalination plants.

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Despite these efforts, criticism has emerged regarding the government's response. Charalampos Theopemptou, an MP and chair of the environment committee, argued that timely action was not taken, stating, “The right measures were not taken at the right time.” He highlighted the risks associated with desalination, including high energy consumption and potential harm to marine life. Farmers, who are facing a 30% reduction in irrigation, have expressed significant distress over the situation. Lambros Achilleos, a unionist, noted the emotional toll on farmers, many of whom are being forced to adapt to less water-intensive crops.

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Experts warn that without immediate and effective measures, Cyprus could face dire consequences, including agricultural collapse and population displacement. Fadi Comair, a professor of hydrology, indicated that worst-case climate scenarios could see temperature increases of up to 4.5 degrees Celsius by 2100, exacerbating the current crisis.

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• “Everyone has to reduce their consumption,” — Eliana Tofa Christidou, Head of Water Development Department

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• “The right measures were not taken at the right time,” — Charalampos Theopemptou, MP

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• “There’s a lot of angst, a lot of depression, with many being told to turn to new, less water-intensive crops.” — Lambros Achilleos, Unionist

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• “Our research and modelling shows that, in the worst case, the increase in temperature will be 4.5 degrees by 2100, not 1.5 or 2 degrees … We’ll have a collapse of agriculture, drought will lead to the mass transfer of populations and we won’t be able to secure food,” — Fadi Comair, Professor of Hydrology

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The situation in Cyprus remains critical as authorities and residents grapple with the immediate challenges of water scarcity and the long-term implications of climate change.

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