The sight of overflowing dams in Argaka, Pomos, and Kalopanayiotis is proving deceptive as the Water Development Department (WDD) warns that Cyprus remains in a state of “yellow alert” regarding water security.
Despite significant inflows during the first four months of 2026, the WDD is preparing a proposal for the Council of Ministers that maintains strict restrictions. Officials state the gap between “safe living” and a “water crisis” remains narrow, choosing caution over public demands for increased water allocations.
Statistics reveal half-empty reservoirs
While individual small dams are spilling over, the overall picture is less encouraging. As of April 29, 2026, total reservoir reserves stood at 113.7 million cubic metres (mcm), or 39.1% capacity. Although this is an improvement from last year’s 23.2%, the WDD points out that reservoirs remain nearly two-thirds empty.
The recovery is uneven across the island:
- Small local dams: Currently at 98% capacity (17.1 mcm), serving mainly irrigation in Nicosia, Paphos, and Chrysochous.
- Paphos dams: 43.1% capacity (34.8 mcm inflows).
- Southern Conveyor Project (SCP): The island’s main water artery, supplying Limassol, Nicosia, Larnaca, and Famagusta, is at just 34.9% capacity.
Experts conclude that a 34–42% occupancy in major systems is insufficient to lift restrictions. The safety threshold for guaranteed supply is 35%, and current reserves are hovering just below that level.
Consumption exceeds targets
A major concern for the WDD is a spike in consumer demand. Despite a January 2026 cabinet decision to cut water use by 10%, the first quarter of the year saw an average increase in consumption.
In Paphos, water use surged by 15.8%, while Limassol saw a 7.8% increase. Only Nicosia, Larnaca, and Famagusta achieved a modest reduction of 2.6%. The WDD warns that if this trend continues, an additional 17 mcm will be required, risking total depletion of reserves and horizontal cuts by 2027.
Revised allocations and irrigation limits
The WDD’s 2026–2028 strategy prioritises domestic water supply over all other uses. Revised allocations for the year include:
- Irrigation: Targeted based on local dam levels. Nicosia and Chrysochous will receive more water, but Paphos will see no additional agricultural concessions due to high domestic demand.
- Agriculture: Priority is given to permanent plantations and greenhouses. Seasonal crops will receive limited amounts only where the balance allows.
- Livestock and Industry: These sectors will be fully covered due to their economic importance and lower consumption levels.
Desalination risks
The WDD’s plan relies heavily on desalination plants working at full capacity. However, risks remain. The contract for the Dhekelia plant expires in 2027, and new mobile units in Vasilikos, Mazotos, and Germasogeia are not expected until next year. The WDD has labelled the floating Germasogeia unit a “high-risk project” due to potential tender delays.
Excessive agricultural use
Technical data reveals a pattern of “over-consumption” by the agricultural sector in recent years. Between 2023 and 2025, 16 mcm of water were lost to system overruns, primarily in Paphos and Chrysochous. In 2024 alone, farmers consumed 11.1 mcm more than the approved limits.
The WDD warns that such overruns can no longer be tolerated as they undermine the sustainability of the island’s water reserves. If consumption is not curbed or desalination projects are delayed, the state may activate the “Patroklos” plan for emergency water management.