Cyprus faces water crisis as desalination becomes a necessity
- Cyprus has faced severe water shortages with dams currently at only a quarter of their capacity due to dry winters.
- In response, the government plans to enhance desalination efforts, introducing new plants and upgrading existing facilities.
- Long-term strategies aim to double fresh water production to secure the island’s water needs well into the future.
Cyprus, an island nation in the eastern Mediterranean, is experiencing significant water shortages as dry winters have severely depleted its reservoir capacities. As of the latest reports, the country’s 108 dams are at only 25% of their total capacity, prompting a shift in strategy to secure water resources. Climate change is a major factor behind this decline, with the 2023-24 winter season being cited as the driest in the last fifty years. The agriculture and environment minister, Maria Panayiotou, has voiced concerns regarding these conditions, emphasizing their long-term implications on water availability. To address the challenging situation, immediate measures are being implemented, including the introduction of four additional mobile desalination plants expected to start operations in October, each capable of producing 30,000 cubic meters of drinkable water daily. This effort adds to the five existing desalination plants, which currently generate a combined output of 1,175,000 cubic meters of fresh water per day, despite one being out of commission due to an accidental fire. In the long term, the government has outlined plans to expand and modernize the desalination infrastructure. This includes an ambitious goal to quadruple production capacity and construct two new desalination plants, with the goal of meeting the island’s water needs for decades ahead. This initiative is indicative of a broader response to sustaining water resources amidst ongoing climate challenges and shifting weather patterns. Beyond technological solutions, Panayiotou has emphasized the importance of conservation and community engagement in addressing the water crisis. The government plans to encourage residents to adopt water-saving practices while also investing in repairs and upgrades to the existing water distribution system, which includes drilling new boreholes to access groundwater. The total estimated cost for these short-term measures is approximately 66.4 million euros. Cyprus will need to navigate these water management challenges proactively as it strives to ensure an adequate water supply for its population of nearly one million people.