Water Scarcity in Cyprus: An Invisible Crisis with Visible Consequences

Cyprus is facing one of the most critical environmental challenges of our time. Water scarcity is not just a natural phenomenon—it is a crisis with political, social, and economic implications.

Water scarcity in Cyprus has evolved into a chronic issue that significantly impacts citizens’ daily lives and the island’s economy. Extended drought periods, increased consumption, and the state's failure to develop a comprehensive water management plan have all contributed to the intensification of this phenomenon.

Definition and Current Situation

Water scarcity is defined as the condition in which the available water resources are insufficient to meet the needs of society. According to Eurostat, Cyprus recorded a Water Exploitation Index (WEI+) of 71% in 2022, the highest in the European Union, far exceeding the 40% threshold considered critical.

Another important piece of evidence is the Cypriot dams, which are the main source of water storage, since in March 2025 they were only 26% full. As you can see, these numbers are not just worrying, they are warning.

Causes of the Phenomenon

Water scarcity in Cyprus results from multiple interconnected factors:

• Climate Change: Decreasing rainfall and rising temperatures directly reduce water availability.
• Increased Demand: Tourism, urban expansion, and agriculture significantly raise water consumption.
• Infrastructure Losses: A considerable portion of water is lost due to outdated and poorly maintained supply networks.
• Lack of Strategic Management: Absence of a long-term national plan for water resource management.

Impacts to the society

The consequences of water scarcity in Cyprus are far-reaching:

• Agriculture: Irrigation restrictions, reduced crop yields, and rising production costs.
• Households: Possible water cuts and increased pressure to reduce consumption.
• Economy and Tourism: Water supply concerns affect tourism sustainability.
• Environment: Degradation of wetlands and loss of biodiversity.

Solutions and Recommendations

Addressing water scarcity requires a multi-faceted approach:

• Expand Desalination Infrastructure and improve its energy efficiency.
• Promote Water Recycling and Reuse, especially in agriculture and industry.
• Consider Cloud Seeding Technologies to enhance artificial rainfall, as used in other countries.
• Public Awareness and Education campaigns focused on water conservation.
• Upgrade Water Distribution Systems to detect and prevent leaks.
• Develop a National Action Plan with measurable goals and transparent implementation.

Water scarcity in Cyprus is not just an environmental issue. It requires immediate, bold and long-term solutions. The water challenge is the challenge of our future. Moreover, the answer to water scarcity lies not only in the hands of the state, but also in our daily attitude. Cyprus can become a model of sustainable water management, it simply must act immediately!