Cyprus’s water balance is entering a state of emergency, with a massive 14-million cubic metre (MCM) deficit threatening uninterrupted water supply across all districts except Paphos. The 14 MCM represents 14% of the island’s drinking water needs for all of 2026, and without decisive action, supply cuts will become unavoidable before summer.
Data from the Water Development Department paints a grim picture. Reservoirs are drying up, rainfall is failing to replenish reserves, and the emergency projects announced in 2025 are stuck in delays and cancellations. As of 14 March, total reserves stand at just 21% (62 MCM) — one of the lowest levels ever recorded.
The Southern Conveyor situation is even more dramatic: only 34 MCM (18%) available. Without drastic measures, reserves will be depleted by August, experts warn.
Desalination, which should have been the island’s lifeline, faces serious implementation problems. The mobile unit at Garyllis, due to have been operational since February, is delayed because of equipment awaited from Israel — the contractor cites the war. In Ayia Napa, the tender is heading towards cancellation. The floating unit in Germasogeia has proved too expensive. The only near-term hope remains the unit at Limassol Port, expected to begin trial operations by the end of March.
The government is banking on eight mobile units with a combined daily capacity of 147,000 cubic metres and on future permanent facilities. In the meantime, Cyprus must live with less water, and irrigation is being cut by 33%. Drinking water demand has been growing 4–6% annually over the past four years, making the race against time ever more pressing.
