The Water Development Department is in a race against time to mitigate the worsening water crisis in Cyprus, particularly in Paphos and, to a lesser extent, Limassol. Meanwhile, the outlook appears slightly more optimistic for Nicosia, Larnaca, and Famagusta.

As Brief reports, currently, the country’s dams hold only 25% of their capacity, a level expected to sustain water demand until the end of the year at most. However, technical failures have already resulted in the loss of millions of cubic meters of water.

The Water Development Department remains on high alert, warning that households, businesses, and hotels will face significant difficulties during the upcoming summer months. "There is no doubt that Cyprus is heading for a very difficult summer," stated Giorgos Kalatzis, Acting Director of the Water Development Department.

Speaking to CyBC radio on Monday morning, Kalatzis emphasized that all relevant authorities are making urgent efforts to ensure the country can get through the summer without water cuts. He expressed confidence that water supply in Nicosia, Larnaca, and Famagusta is unlikely to face restrictions—unless unexpected issues arise.

However, he acknowledged that the situation in Limassol and, especially, Paphos remains far more critical. In Paphos, the destruction of the desalination plant has exacerbated the crisis. "The contractor responsible for restoring the plant has scheduled its completion for early August. Once operational, the facility is expected to alleviate some of the pressure on water supply," Kalatzis noted.

For now, the department’s primary focus is on managing the critical months of May, June, and July. To address the shortage, authorities are implementing additional measures, particularly in Paphos, where the problem is most severe. "We are activating additional boreholes to supplement the existing water supply," Kalatzis confirmed.

When asked about other steps being taken to improve water management, he stated: "We are working on creating new boreholes and making network adjustments to optimize water storage in reservoirs and better manage demand. Any new boreholes we find will be used as backup reserves. Our overall strategy will depend on demand levels."

Kalatzis also acknowledged that water losses in distribution networks continue to increase. However, he expressed optimism that with the planned measures in place, Cyprus can navigate the summer without resorting to water cuts.

As part of the contingency plan, four mobile desalination units have been ordered, with the first expected to be installed in Paphos by the end of the year. Procurement processes have been completed, and the first unit is expected to arrive next week. "There is no immediate solution beyond the measures we are implementing. However, the role of citizens in conserving water is crucial," Kalatzis emphasized.

He stressed the importance of reducing water waste, calling on the public to be more mindful of consumption. "Water waste is a real issue, and we all need to act responsibly. If every household reduces consumption by just 5%, we can get through the summer without major disruptions," he concluded.