Desalination Plants in Cyprus Temporarily Suspended Due to Power Outages

On February 8, Cyprus experienced a temporary reduction in drinking water production due to electricity supply problems affecting desalination plants in the Vasilikos and Larnaca areas. Some equipment was shut down over the weekend, but serious water supply disruptions were avoided.

According to authorities, the Vasilikos plant has already returned to full operation. In Larnaca, restoration work continues, and the facility is expected to be reconnected to the system shortly.

With reduced desalination volumes, the Water Authority decided to temporarily cut water supply to remote areas. Until the Larnaca plant is fully restored, these areas are being supplied from facilities in Tersefanou and Kornos, as well as the Dekelia desalination station. Repairs on damaged sections are ongoing.

The absence of water shortages in Nicosia, Larnaca, and the Famagusta region is attributed by authorities to increased water storage in recent years.

Current drinking water reserves are as follows:

• Nicosia — approximately 87,750 cubic meters,
• Larnaca — around 22,000 cubic meters,
• Paralimni and Ayia Napa areas — about 15,000 cubic meters.

In the capital, the new "Clio" and "Erato" reservoirs, commissioned last month, played a key role. Their combined capacity allows the city to be supplied for more than one and a half days even if the supply is completely cut off. In Larnaca, the new reservoirs in the Klavdia area effectively doubled the system’s capacity and maintained stable water supply.

Despite this, the Water Development Department and the EOA have urged residents to use water sparingly until all desalination plants are fully operational again.