Cyprus Reservoirs Near Record Lows as Drought Persists

Cyprus warned the population of severe water shortages as reservoir levels plunged to just 16% of capacity amid the island’s worst drought in years.

The Water Development Department said inflow into reservoirs is “negligible” and imposed a ban on using water to wash streets, pavements, patios or cars. Officials urged households to curb consumption, warning that conservation is “decisive” to safeguarding supplies for current and future needs.

National water storage has fallen to 47 million cubic metres, less than half the volume recorded a year ago. The Nicosia district faces the most acute shortages, with reservoirs just 7.5% full. One of its key sources, the Vyzakia reservoir, is at only 0.7% capacity—holding 20 times less water than in 2024.

The Mavrokolympos reservoir remains completely empty after being drained for maintenance in January.

Officials said public water-saving measures are “decisive” to maintaining supply for both current and future needs.

Read more via Cyprus Mail