CYPRUS PRESSES RED BUTTON BEFORE THE LEVEL OF WATER DROPS PERMANENTLY - DAMS AT 20% OCCUPANCY - SCHOOLS ARE MOBILIZED TO ACHIEVE WATER SAVINGS - Filenews 9/3 by Angelos Nikolaou
With the level of the dams reminiscent of a thriller setting that reaches 21% of their occupancy and the climate crisis turning the once heavy rainfall into a distant memory, the Republic of Cyprus declares a general mobilization to save the most precious commodity.
In addition to the measures and investments already implemented by the state to enhance water sufficiency, such as the expansion of desalination, the utilization of recycled water, the strengthening of infrastructure and the better management of water resources, the new effort sets another key goal: to turn water saving into a collective cause.
Under the title "Water for tomorrow", the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, in collaboration with the Press and Information Office and the Department of Water Development (WDD), launches a multi-level campaign that aims to "wake up" citizens from the lethargy of water waste. The Ministry of Education, Sports and Youth also participates in this as students can be one of the most important carriers of spreading the message for responsible use of water.
The campaign aimed at saving water is being implemented at a critical time for the island's water reserves. The aim is to inform the public about the real situation in the water sector as it is presented today due to climatic conditions, but also to prevent questions or comments by giving answers through the campaign such as e.g. about the use of water in the tourism industry, golf, the explanation of the complexity of water management, as well as the new reality.
Cyprus remains one of the most arid countries in the EU. 2025 was recorded as the 8th worst year since 1901, while since the mid-90s, the average annual rainfall has shown a steady decrease of 10%.
According to the data of the Ministry of Agriculture, the average daily consumption per person in Cyprus reaches 140 liters and the goal is to reduce it to 125 liters.
The goal of the campaign is clear and measurable: to reduce consumption by 10% by 2026, which corresponds to a saving of about 10 million cubic meters of water, an amount that can make a substantial contribution to strengthening the country's water reserves.
From TV to mobile the series Stranger Things
The communication strategy of the campaign utilizes modern media and creative approaches. It goes beyond the trivial, borrowing the aesthetics of the popular Stranger Things series. Through cinematic teasers, the campaign highlights the contrast between children who anxiously observe the water level dropping from their "headquarters" and adults who remain hypnotized in front of their screens. "The level is falling. Time for us all to press the button", warn the spots, inviting the public to download the new "Stagono-metro" application to control consumption.
As part of the water campaign, the Press and Information Office implements two documentary-type audiovisual productions, "Water Remembers" and "Water Speaks", which highlight the relationship of each of us with water and the many aspects of life it affects. Among the productions there will also be documentaries that will be given as material for raising awareness in educational institutions, schools and other institutions.
In particular, the documentary "Water Speaks" provides documented answers about the use of water in the tourism industry and golf courses, explaining the complexity of management and the enormous energy costs of desalination.
The documentary "Water Remembers" focuses on the largest dam in Cyprus, Kourris, which serves the provinces of Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca and Famagusta.
The emblematic dam of Kourris is personified and placed at the center of the campaign. Today its reserves amount to 22 million cubic meters of water with the occupancy reaching 19%.
The short film presents Kourris as the living heart of Cyprus. Through filming footage and archival material, we will present the history, the importance and the need to protect or help Kourris better (through savings and other measures). The message is clear: "If Kourris runs dry, we all dry up."
The campaign is also accompanied by practical instructions to citizens. With the aim of reducing consumption by 10%, ten simple daily habits are proposed:
- Turn off the tap when brushing teeth or shaving
- We choose a short shower instead of a bathtub
- We use washing machines only when they are full
- We wash fruits and vegetables in a basin
- We regularly check for leaks in the facilities
- We inform the authorities about leaks in public places
- Water early in the morning or late in the afternoon
- We choose plants with low water requirements
- We wash the car with a bucket and sponge
- We clean yards and terraces without a hose
Free nozzles in 600,000 households
In addition to the information, the Ministry of Agriculture is proceeding with practical measures aimed at reducing consumption by 10%, in order to ensure uninterrupted water supply. The supply of 1,500 special saving devices to businesses has already begun, while in the next period the action will be extended to all households in Cyprus.
The Water Development Department has already proceeded with a tender for the supply of 3,000,000 nozzles and flow reducers for showers. The components will be sent nationwide by post in 600,000 envelopes. Through a special digital platform, citizens will be able to inform about the progress of the installation in their homes.
Ministries of Education and Agriculture implement measures and educational actions for saving and sustainable use of water
A central pillar of the new strategy of the Ministry of Education is the immediate information of students.
The Ministry is dynamically entering the battle with the "Not a drop lost" program. The Minister, Athena Michailidou, announced the creation of "grey water" systems (reuse of water from washbasins) in schools, while the campaign "Flow the word, not the water" will give the platform to students to become influencers of saving themselves.
According to the competent Minister, the issues of water awareness and sustainable water management are a timeless goal and priority for the Ministry of Education, systematically and holistically integrating the issues of water saving and rational management in each school unit, in the context of the implementation of the Sustainable Environmental Educational Policy by each school. At the same time, he notes, they are the subject of examination through the Curricula, as well as at the level of practical interventions in the schools themselves.
The actions and measures promoted by the Ministry of Education to strengthen water awareness in schools include:
In matters of water supply, the Ministry of Education promotes the provision of clean and safe drinking water through the gradual installation of water coolers in schools throughout Cyprus, in combination with the environmentally friendly campaign "Which "P" do you choose: the Environment or the Plastic", which supports the reduction of the use of bottled water. At the same time, environmental educational programs are implemented on a school basis for water saving and reuse.
On irrigation issues, through the "Green My School" program, the installation of smart irrigation systems, the utilization of boreholes and the planting of low water requirements species, with the aim of sustainable management of school green spaces, is supported.
In parallel with the Ministry's actions, officials of the Water Development Department have already started visits to schools, having already covered more than 30 educational institutions in Nicosia, Limassol and Paphos within 2026.
The aim is for the program to be extended throughout free Cyprus, turning students into "ambassadors" who will carry the message of water protection within their families.
