Mobile desalination units set to operate in July amid drought

The Cyprus government is actively working to address one of the country’s most severe water crises in recent decades, as dam reserves reach critically low levels, a competent official told CNA.

Recent figures released by the Water Development Department (WDD) show that the overall dam capacity currently stands at just 19.6%, compared to 39.3% at the same time last year.

A temporary solution is expected to come about in July with the activation of mobile desalination units recently installed in Moni, Limassol district, which were provided by the United Arab Emirates.

Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), Andreas Gregoriou, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, said teams from the Water Development Department, the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC), and the contractor are working intensively to put the units into work within days.

Gregoriou also confirmed that the project for a mobile desalination unit in Kissonerga, with a daily capacity of 10,000 cubic meters per day, has been awarded and is expected to begin operation after the summer. In addition, projects for permanent desalination units on the Garyllis River and at Limassol Port are progressing, with tenders currently in progress.

Regarding the Moni units, Gregoriou noted that they will have the capacity to produce approximately 13,000 cubic meters of water per day, offering short-term relief during a critical period.

Asked whether water cuts are being considered, Gregoriou responded negatively, citing Water Development Department projections that suggest no immediate need for cuts. He reiterated, however, the importance of responsible water use by consumers, in order to avoid future restrictions.

The dire water situation is reflected in official WDD statistics. As of Friday, June 27, the country’s total capacity of water reservoirs stood at just 19.6%, compared to 39.3% this time last year. At Kouris Dam, the largest on the island, water levels stand at only 16.7% down from 34.7% a year ago, with only 19.2 million cubic meters stored.

(Source: CNA)