Water availability in Cyprus constitutes a constant challenge, the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment, said on Saturday, noting due to three very dry years reserves are limited, while many wells have degraded or depleted.
The Ministry stressed that “with new desalination plants, upgrades to water supply and irrigation networks, enhancement of tertiary treatment, and the implementation of innovative conservation strategies and technologies, the state’s effort is to safeguard Cyprus’ future water efficiency”, emphasizing that “the planning has been completed, and its implementation is already underway”.
In a press release to mark the World Water Day, the Ministry said that the last three consecutive years have been marked by drought, with last year recording the sixth worst inflows into reservoirs since 1987, and the current year ranking as the third worst so far.
It noted that currently desalination plants cover only 70% of Cyprus’ water supply needs, which is why the government is moving forward with “permanent solutions” to ensure “adequate and stable water supply, regardless of weather conditions”.
“The state is not standing idle. The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment has been implementing a comprehensive strategic plan for water resource management over a five-year period, enhancing the country’s resilience against the climate crisis. Through targeted interventions, the goal is to reduce dependency on weather conditions, ensuring the long-term sufficiency and sustainability of water”, the press release said.
However, it added that the challenge remains ongoing. Sufficient water availability has never been guaranteed – and this can only change through collective action. Protecting water is everyone’s responsibility and requires coordinated efforts at all levels, it stated.
On the occasion of World Water Day, the Ministry highlighted the importance of water as a key factor for human life, the environment, and the economy, while also emphasizing the need for public awareness and responsible water use.
It sent out the message that “water is not inexhaustible, and its sufficiency is not a given”, stressing that “water conservation starts with small, everyday habits, such as fixing leaks, not letting the tap run unnecessarily, using efficient irrigation methods, reducing waste, and protecting every precious drop”.
Also read: Cyprus had highest rates of water scarcity in EU in 2022
Source: CNA
