While some parts of Europe have experienced heavy rainfall over the past few months, others are faced with a different kind of weather emergency. In February 2026, water reserves in Cyprus are down to 13.7% of their total storage capacity, forcing authorities to take measures amid a record drought.
Water scarcity is a problem usually linked to hot and dry summer seasons, but in Cyprus, drought comes early in 2026. According to Europe’s Combined Drought Indicator, the nation is one of those struggling with dry weather conditions at the time of writing. A fact that is confirmed by Eliana Tofa Christidou, head of the nation’s water development department, who says that dam inflows are at their lowest since hydrological records began in 1901.
While water levels at the Kouris reservoir – known for its usually-submerged but now-visible St Nicholas Church – are down to 12.2% of its capacity, Cyprus’ overall water storage is down to 13.7%. In February 2025, which was already a difficult year for the country’s water needs, this was still 26%.
Multitude of measures
Given the circumstances, authorities in Cyprus are now asking all residents to cut their water use by 10%, which amounts to 2 minutes of uninterrupted running water. Moreover, the country has announced a package of emergency measures worth €31 million.
“Everyone has to reduce their consumption. Whether that is in the shower, brushing their teeth, or using a washing machine. Times are critical, and every drop now counts”, explained Eliana Tofa Christidou in an interview with The Guardian.
Within Europe, Cyprus might well be one of the regions most touched by climate change. According to data collected by the Mediterranean Growth Collective, temperatures in the country are rising 20% faster than the global average. Hot temperatures, combined with a 15% rainfall drop since 1901 and a 300% increased water needs due to tourism and a growing population, are creating dire circumstances.
According to Eliana Tofa Christidou, the per capita water consumption can reach up to 500 litres per day due to the meteorological circumstances. As the mean per capita consumption of water in Europe amounts to ‘only’ 120 litres per person per day, authorities are now launching campaigns to reduce that amount to 140 litres per person per day.
The reuse of wastewater, water leakage interventions, irrigation limits, and a push for residents to invest in water-saving tap appliances are some of the other measures that are part of the current emergency plan of €31 million, while previous investments have already permitted the start of the installation of desalination units, aimed at turning seawater into freshwater. Some 14 are expected to be operational by the end of 2026, although ecological voices are warning of their potential to have a disruptive character on the island’s fauna and flora.
