Cyprus water department maintains strict resource management despite increased dam levels

As of April 29, 2026, water levels in Cyprus dams have risen to 113.7 million cubic meters (MCM), representing 39.1% capacity, compared to 23.2% in 2025. Despite this improvement attributed to significant rainfall between January and April 2026, the Department of Water Development (WDD) warns that two-thirds of the nation's dam capacity remains empty. The Southern Conveyor System, which supplies most of the island, is at 35% capacity with 66.3 MCM stored. The WDD is preparing a proposal for the Council of Ministers to define water management strategy for the next two years. Officials maintain that the water crisis is not over and advocate for continued conservative usage, particularly regarding irrigation. Historical data shows total annual inflows reached 97.8 MCM this year, significantly higher than the 8.4 MCM recorded in 2024, but far below the 2019 record of 185.5 MCM. The WDD plans to prioritize prudent management over public demands for relaxed water restrictions.