Cyprus is bracing for a tough summer as dam levels continue to drop, marking the third consecutive year of drought. The situation has become even more critical after a fire destroyed the Paphos desalination plant.
According to Yianna Economidou, a senior engineer at the Water Development Department (WDD), dam reserves are now at just 25% capacity, a sharp decline from 47% this time last year. “This year’s inflow stands at only 16 million cubic meters, making it the third worst year on record,” Economidou said: “Based on forecasts, the chances of enough rainfall to change the situation are extremely low.”
Cyprus relies on five desalination plants to meet its water needs, but with the Paphos facility out of action, the remaining four can only provide 70% of the required supply. To help close the gap, officials are exploring alternative solutions, including tapping into boreholes in Asprokremmos, which could supply an additional 10,000 cubic meters of water per day. While authorities are trying to avoid importing water from Greece – a costly measure used in past droughts – Economidou admitted that nothing is off the table if conditions worsen.