Cyprus is facing an alarming water crisis, with authorities urging residents to curtail water usage by 10% in response to the worst drought the island has experienced in living memory. The call for conservation comes as the Kouris reservoir, a vital source of water, has reached a historic low, forcing the once-submerged St Nicholas church to emerge from the depths. This dire situation threatens to exacerbate as the tourist season approaches, leaving the island’s water supply in a precarious state.
A Call to Conserve Water
Officials from the Cypriot government have initiated a public awareness campaign, encouraging residents to be mindful of their water consumption. Eliana Tofa Christidou, the head of the country’s water development department, emphasised the need for action: “Everyone has to reduce their consumption,” she stated, highlighting that even minor adjustments, such as shortening showers or minimising water use when brushing teeth, can collectively have a significant impact.
The severity of the drought is underscored by the fact that dam inflows are currently at their lowest since records began in 1901. Water levels in the Kouris reservoir have dwindled to a mere 12.2% of capacity, compared to 26% at the same time last year, a situation officials previously deemed alarming. As large areas of land suffer from extreme dryness, the consequences of this crisis are becoming increasingly evident.
Infrastructure and Emergency Measures
In response to the escalating crisis, the Cypriot government has unveiled an emergency package worth €31 million (£27 million), marking the sixth such initiative in recent years. This package aims to enhance water management and includes efforts to fix leaks in local distribution networks, which are prevalent in up to 40% of the system. Additionally, financial incentives will be offered to households to encourage the adoption of water-saving appliances.
Cyprus’s water scarcity has become a priority during its EU presidency, with €200 million allocated for infrastructure improvements. Plans to install desalination plants are underway, with the goal of having 14 units operational by the end of 2026. Two portable desalination units were provided by the United Arab Emirates last year, illustrating a proactive approach to the crisis.
The Impacts of Climate Change
Cyprus is grappling with climate realities that exacerbate its water woes. The Mediterranean region is warming at a rate 20% faster than the global average, a trend that threatens freshwater resources. Rainfall has decreased by an estimated 15% since 1901, while water demand has surged by 300% due to population growth and the influx of tourists—the island welcomes approximately three million visitors annually.
Criticism of the government’s response is mounting, with some experts arguing that timely action was not taken to mitigate the predicted consequences of climate change. Charalampos Theopemptou, an MP for the Movement of Ecologists, expressed frustration, stating, “The right measures were not taken at the right time.” He warned that reliance on desalination is not a sustainable solution, citing its high energy demands and potential environmental impacts.
The Strain on Agriculture
The agricultural sector is feeling the brunt of these restrictions, with farmers facing a mandated 30% reduction in irrigation. The emotional toll is evident, with union representatives reporting widespread anxiety among farmers who are being urged to transition to less water-intensive crops. Lambros Achilleos, a prominent unionist, lamented the situation: “There’s a lot of angst, a lot of depression.” The pressure on farmers, many of whom are in their later years with families to support, highlights the societal implications of the water crisis.
Fadi Comair, a professor of applied hydrology at the Cyprus Institute, warned that if immediate action is not taken, the consequences could be catastrophic. He pointed to research indicating a potential temperature rise of 4.5 degrees Celsius by 2100, which could lead to agricultural collapse and mass population displacements.
Why it Matters
The unfolding water crisis in Cyprus serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the impacts of climate change and resource management. As one of the most water-stressed countries in the European Union, Cyprus’s situation reflects broader global challenges regarding water scarcity. The decisions made today will not only shape the island’s future but could also serve as a cautionary tale for similar regions grappling with environmental pressures. The combination of climate change, rising demand, and inadequate infrastructure underscores the critical importance of sustainable resource management in safeguarding both the environment and livelihoods.
