Larnaca Reports 600 Water Leak Incidents in Two Months

Larnaca has reported over 600 cases of water leaks in the past two months, amid a critical water shortage affecting Cyprus's reservoirs.

The water levels in Cyprus’s reservoirs are at a dangerously low level, with Larnaca experiencing losses of up to 50%. The reservoirs are at just 34% of their total capacity, compared to 57% at the same time last year.

The most severe issues have been identified in the municipalities of Lefkara, Afiou, and Aradippou, along with neighboring communities like Laya, which has been left without water for a week due to repeated damages.

Angelos Hadjiharalambous, President of EOA Larnaca, explained that the problems began on July 1, when five municipalities joined the organization, covering 16 settlements. Since then, Provincial Administration crews have recorded over 600 instances of water leakage on roads and sidewalks. The relevant agency has intervened in over 400 repair cases to minimize water loss.

"Our organization does not have unlimited resources to respond immediately to every issue. With our current human and financial resources, we aim to address these problems in the medium to long term, reduce damage, and minimize leaks," said Hadjiharalambous.

Additionally, Maria Panayotu, the Minister of Agriculture, recently visited Larnaca to raise awareness about the severe and ongoing drought and to emphasize the urgent need for water conservation.

It is also noted that the largest reservoir in Cyprus, Kourris, is currently at 30.7% capacity, down from over 50% last year.

The hope for improvement now rests on the new hydrological year, which begins on October 1. However, if conditions do not improve, many reservoirs may end up completely empty.