Water levels in the Kouris reservoir have plummeted so dramatically that the once-submerged St Nicholas church, seen in August 2025, is now fully visible. This stark image underscores the severity of a drought described as the worst in living memory for Cyprus.
Cyprus Appeals to Residents to Reduce Water Use as 'Every Drop Counts'
Authorities in Cyprus have urgently called on residents to slash their water consumption by 10%, equivalent to about two minutes of running water per day. This appeal comes as the island's reservoirs hit record lows, even before the peak tourist season begins, during what officials term a once-in-a-century drought.
Eliana Tofa Christidou, head of the country's water development department, emphasised the critical nature of the situation. "Everyone has to reduce their consumption," she stated. "Whether that is in the shower, brushing their teeth, or using a washing machine. Times are critical and every drop now counts."
Record Low Reservoir Levels and Climate Impact
The drought has led to dam inflows at their lowest since 1901, when hydrological records first began. Vast tracts of land across Cyprus have been baked dry, with prime forest areas desiccated and dying rapidly. In the Kouris reservoir, water levels have dropped to just 12.2% of capacity, revealing the St Nicholas church—a monument that would normally be submerged if the reservoir were full.
Water reserves in February stand at a mere 13.7% of total storage capacity, compared to 26% at the same time last year, a figure that was already considered dire. Cyprus, an EU member state, faces the highest water stress levels in the bloc, exacerbated by temperatures rising 20% faster than the global average due to the climate crisis.
Soaring Demand and Emergency Measures
Annual rainfall has dropped an estimated 15% since 1901, while water needs have surged by 300% due to population growth and tourism. Cyprus welcomes three million tourists annually—nearly three times its resident population—intensifying water scarcity.
In response, a €31 million (£27 million) emergency package has been announced, including a public awareness campaign set to launch this month. The campaign aims to reduce per capita water consumption from as high as 500 litres per day in some areas to around 140 litres, aligning closer to the European average of 120 litres.
Additional measures involve wastewater reuse, fixing water leakages prevalent in up to 40% of local networks, and financial support for households to install water-saving tap appliances. This marks the sixth emergency package announced, with Cyprus allocating €200 million to improve water infrastructure, including the installation of desalination plants.
Criticism and Long-Term Concerns
Despite these efforts, criticism mounts over delayed action. Charalampos Theopemptou, an MP and chair of the environment committee, lamented, "The right measures were not taken at the right time." He highlighted risks associated with desalination plants, such as high energy costs and potential harm to marine life, and criticised the persistence of water-intensive features like grass-covered public spaces, swimming pools, and golf courses.
Farmers have been ordered to reduce irrigation by 30%, sparking significant distress. Lambros Achilleos, a unionist, noted, "Farmers are besides themselves. There's a lot of angst, a lot of depression." Many are being urged to switch to less water-intensive crops, a challenging transition for older farmers with families to support.
Future Projections and Urgent Calls
Fadi Comair, a professor of applied hydrology at the Cyprus Institute, warned of a worst-case scenario where temperatures could rise by 4.5 degrees by 2100, leading to agricultural collapse, population transfers, and food insecurity. "It is essential measures are taken now," he stressed, underscoring the urgency of addressing the drought to avert long-term catastrophe.
As Cyprus grapples with this unprecedented water crisis, the visible emergence of St Nicholas church serves as a poignant reminder of the escalating challenges posed by climate change and the pressing need for sustainable water management.
