Recent rainfall boosted Cyprus water reserves, but experts warn the increase does not solve the country’s ongoing water scarcity.
Gianna Oikonomidou, senior officer at the Water Development Department, told Sigma’s programme “Protoselido” that reservoir levels rose to 17–18% from 14% last Friday. She noted that reserves still lag behind last year’s 26% at this time.
Improvement insufficient
Oikonomidou stressed that three consecutive years of low inflows combined with steadily rising water demand mean the improvement does not restore the water balance. Climate variability also reduces inflows disproportionately compared with rainfall. She highlighted the Southern Conveyor, critical for supplying most of Cyprus, where capacity currently stands at just 14.9%.
Measures under study
Journalists asked about evaporation at major dams and solutions such as floating solar panels, already used in Portugal. Oikonomidou said authorities are studying the measure. A technical study with European Commission support explores floating photovoltaic installations combined with pumping and other techniques.
She confirmed authorities aim to avoid water supply cuts through full operation of desalination units. However, with reservoirs at 17.6%, she warned that the situation demands caution, and rainfall through spring will remain crucial.
Water consumption concerns
Oikonomidou said average daily consumption in some areas supplied by regional authorities is around 140 litres per person. In some cases, use exceeds 500 litres, which she called unacceptable. She attributed the high levels mainly to irrigation rather than domestic needs and urged households to adopt simple water-saving practices.
She outlined a two-pronged strategy: increasing supply through desalination and non-conventional sources, and reducing demand. She stressed that Cyprus cannot invest in new water sources alone without also limiting consumption and reducing network losses.
Pools and cloud seeding
Oikonomidou clarified that authorities prohibit using drinking water to fill swimming pools. Planning and building permits include relevant restrictions, though the Water Development Department does not licence pools directly. Officials coordinate with ministries to promote best practices and rational water use.
On cloud seeding to combat drought, she said the department does not hold direct responsibility but participates in discussions. Studies have examined the method, though results cannot be guaranteed. Meteorology authorities may consider a pilot project.
Local impact in Paphos
Charalambos Pittokopitis, President of the Paphos Water Authority, described recent rainfall as particularly beneficial. He said inflows into dams such as Asprokremmos reached nearly 10 million cubic metres, lifting capacity above 18%. Smaller but noticeable inflows also reached Kannaviou and Evretou dams.
Pittokopitis expressed cautious optimism, stating that with proper management, no cuts to household or business water supply should occur over the summer. He stressed that the primary sector and farmers will benefit most, but prudent water use remains essential.
He called on authorities and consumers alike to reduce overconsumption and water losses. Despite improvements, he said reserves remain low and the situation remains challenging. So far, no damages from the recent rainfall have been reported.
Also read: Cyprus dam levels rise after weekend rain
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