Fears of a severe water crisis this summer have prompted the Limassol Water Authority to call for urgent action, urging the Ministry of Agriculture to take immediate action. Officials warn that if precautions are not taken in time, there could be serious consequences, with the situation worsening due to a prolonged drought and empty water reservoirs.

Following an emergency council meeting, the Limassol Water Board expressed its deep concern over the region's dwindling water reserves, stressing that water shortages during the summer months were almost inevitable if current conditions continued.

The committee urged the ministry to give top priority to securing the remaining water in the reservoirs for basic supplies to households and businesses. This, they stressed, would prevent a collapse of the water supply system in the region.

One of the main demands was to speed up the construction and expansion of desalination plants. The committee pointed to the glaring capacity deficits of the Episkopi desalination plant, which produces 40,000 cubic metres per day, less than half of the 90,000 cubic metres needed during the peak summer months.

“Measures must be taken to close the daily gap of 50,000 cubic metres,” the statement said.

In addition, the Council called for improvements in water supply and irrigation networks to reduce losses in areas that are currently outside the jurisdiction of the Limassol Water Board but are to be integrated soon.

The Council also warned that failure to act could have serious consequences for Cyprus’ economy and key sectors.

"Only by taking action today can we avert significant problems in the coming months," the statement said. The ministry was called upon to immediately secure the country's water resources.

In general, water shortages affect the entire island on the Greek side. In the Turkish part, this problem has been solved with a pipeline from Turkey across the sea.