Cyprus Tackles Water Crisis with More Desalination Plants

Post by : Monika

Photo: Reuters

Cyprus, a small island country in the eastern Mediterranean, is facing one of the most severe water shortages in its history. Over the past ninety years, the island has seen a significant decline in annual rainfall, with a reduction of approximately 15%. At the same time, temperatures in the capital, Nicosia, have risen by 1.8°C. This increase is nearly double the global average, showing how climate change is affecting the island more quickly than other parts of the world.

As a result of this prolonged drought and rising temperatures, Cyprus’s water reservoirs are now only 14.7% full. This is dangerously low for an island that relies heavily on both natural rainfall and stored water to meet the needs of its residents, businesses, and agriculture.

Over the last few decades, the demand for water has grown significantly. Since 1990, the population of Cyprus has increased, and tourism has grown rapidly. Both factors have caused water consumption to triple. In 2023 alone, the water deficit reached 66 million cubic meters, which is roughly equivalent to 26,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

Faced with this serious crisis, the Cypriot government has decided to step up its desalination efforts. Desalination is a process that removes salt and other minerals from seawater to make it safe for drinking and other uses. The first desalination plant on the island was built in 1997. Since then, desalination has become a critical source of drinking water for Cyprus. Currently, about 70% of the island’s drinking water comes from desalination.

In 2025, the government took further steps by installing mobile desalination units provided by the United Arab Emirates. These units are designed to produce clean drinking water quickly in emergency situations or areas with urgent needs.

More desalination units are planned to be added in the next year. The aim is to ensure that all households and businesses can have a reliable water supply, even in times of drought.

The Cypriot government is also focusing on water reuse. Treated wastewater from homes and industries can be cleaned and reused for non-drinking purposes, such as irrigation and industrial processes. By combining desalination and water reuse, Cyprus hopes to create a sustainable water system that aligns with circular economy principles. A circular economy focuses on using resources efficiently, recycling, and reducing waste, ensuring that water can be used multiple times before being returned safely to the environment.

Despite the benefits, desalination is not without its challenges. One of the main concerns is the cost. Desalination plants are expensive to build and operate. The process requires a lot of energy to remove salt from seawater, which can increase electricity consumption and costs. Moreover, the environmental impact of desalination is significant. The process produces brine, a highly concentrated salt byproduct, which is often released back into the sea.

Fishermen and marine conservationists have raised concerns about brine discharge. Some have reported seeing depleted fish stocks and areas of "no life" in parts of the ocean where brine is released.

The salt concentration can harm marine animals and plants, disrupting local ecosystems. The Agriculture Ministry has stated that monitoring of brine release has not shown adverse impacts on marine life so far. However, the concerns remain, and authorities are continuing to study the long-term effects.

Another major challenge for Cyprus is land desertification. Unsustainable farming practices, such as over-irrigation, deforestation, and poor soil management, are making the land dry and less productive. Apart from the Troodos and Pentadaktylos mountain ranges, most other areas of the island are at risk of becoming desertified. Soil erosion, reduced vegetation, and poor water retention are contributing to the problem, making agriculture and water conservation even more difficult.

To address these issues, Cyprus has partnered with the European Union on several initiatives. These projects focus on restoring soil health, improving water retention, and increasing agricultural sustainability.

Techniques such as composting, planting cover crops, and building small water retention structures are being used to prevent soil erosion and improve moisture retention. These measures are essential for long-term water and food security on the island.

Authorities in Cyprus emphasize the importance of combining technological innovation with responsible water consumption. Citizens are being encouraged to use water wisely at home and in their businesses. Simple actions, such as fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances, and reducing unnecessary water usage, can make a big difference in conserving the island’s limited water resources.

In addition to public awareness campaigns, the government is investing in new technologies to improve water management. Smart water meters, monitoring systems for reservoirs, and improved irrigation methods for agriculture are being implemented.

These innovations help track water usage, detect leaks, and ensure that water is distributed efficiently. The goal is to create a resilient water system that can handle the challenges posed by climate change and population growth.

The water crisis in Cyprus is also linked to broader climate patterns in the Mediterranean region. Rising temperatures, decreasing rainfall, and more frequent droughts are affecting many countries in southern Europe and North Africa. Cyprus, as a small island nation, is particularly vulnerable because it has limited freshwater resources and relies heavily on rainfall and stored water. Scientists warn that climate change will likely make droughts more severe and more frequent in the coming decades.

Cyprus’s approach to the water crisis shows the importance of combining immediate solutions with long-term planning. Desalination provides quick relief for households and businesses, ensuring that people have access to safe drinking water. Water reuse and soil restoration projects contribute to sustainability, helping the island prepare for future challenges. The combination of these strategies aims to reduce the risk of water scarcity and create a more secure and sustainable future for residents.

The government is also working closely with farmers, industries, and communities to encourage sustainable practices. In agriculture, using drip irrigation, planting drought-resistant crops, and avoiding excessive groundwater extraction are key steps to conserve water. Industries are being encouraged to recycle water and adopt water-saving technologies in their production processes. By involving all sectors of society, Cyprus hopes to manage its water resources effectively and fairly.

Public engagement and education play a crucial role in the water strategy. Schools and community organizations are teaching students and citizens about the importance of water conservation. People are being encouraged to adopt simple habits, such as collecting rainwater, reducing wastage, and reporting leaks. These small actions, when adopted widely, can have a significant impact on reducing water demand.

The water crisis also has economic implications. Tourism, a major contributor to Cyprus’s economy, depends on the availability of clean water. Hotels, restaurants, and resorts require large quantities of water to serve visitors. By ensuring a reliable water supply through desalination and recycling, Cyprus can protect its tourism industry while safeguarding local communities.

In conclusion, Cyprus is facing a critical water shortage caused by reduced rainfall, rising temperatures, increased population, and growing tourism. The government’s strategy focuses on expanding desalination, promoting water reuse, restoring soils, and encouraging responsible consumption. While desalination provides an immediate solution, challenges such as cost, environmental impact, and desertification remain.

International support, innovative technology, sustainable farming, and public cooperation are all vital components of the plan. By taking these steps, Cyprus aims to secure a safe, reliable, and sustainable water supply for its citizens, industries, and visitors.

The country’s experience highlights the importance of proactive planning, resilience, and adaptation in the face of climate change, offering a model for other regions facing similar water challenges.

water shortage