Cyprus recorded EU’s highest seasonal water scarcity in 2023

Local climate crisisTop Newswater Cyprus recorded EU’s highest seasonal water scarcity in 2023 Three Day Rainfall Brings Relief To Cyprus Dams But Drought Threat Remains Relevant News Cyprus recorded EU’s highest seasonal water scarcity in 2023 31 July 2026 Cabinet reshuffle expected to be broader than leaked 31 July 2026 Queer Wave film festival marks 7th year with September return to NiMAC 31 July 2026 Daniel Zambartas 31 July 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber Cyprus recorded the highest seasonal level of water scarcity among European Union member states in 2023, according to data from the European Environment Agency. The island’s Water Exploitation Index Plus, or WEI+, reached 92.1% during the third quarter of 2023, covering July to September. The figure means Cyprus’s net water consumption during that period was equivalent to 92.1% of the renewable freshwater resources available. It does not mean that the country used 92.1% of all water stored in dams or supplied through desalination and other sources. Cyprus in the severe-stress range The WEI+ compares water consumption with the renewable freshwater resources available in a particular area and period. Water consumption is calculated by subtracting the water returned to the environment from the total amount abstracted by households and economic sectors. A WEI+ value above 20% indicates that water resources are under stress, while a value above 40% signals severe water stress and suggests that freshwater use may be unsustainable. Cyprus’s seasonal result of 92.1% was more than twice the 40% level associated with severe water stress. Malta recorded the EU’s second-highest result, at 66.7%. Greece reached 37.4%, while Spain recorded 26.5%. The EEA said Cyprus and Malta faced the most significant seasonal water scarcity among EU member states. Türkiye, which is not an EU member, was the most severely challenged country among the EEA’s wider membership. Worst Seasonal Water Scarcity Conditions For European Countries In 2023, Measured By The Water Explo What is driving water scarcity? Water scarcity is particularly severe in southern Europe, where around 30% of the population lives in areas affected by permanent water stress and up to 70% may experience seasonal pressure during the summer. The EEA identifies agriculture, public water supplies and tourism as significant sources of pressure on freshwater resources in southern Europe. Conditions generally worsen between April and September because of dry weather, reduced water flows and increased demand from irrigated agriculture, tourism, recreation and other economic activities. Droughts have also become more frequent and severe over the past decade, affecting seasonal water availability. Climate change is expected to intensify fluctuations in freshwater supplies and increase the frequency, severity and impact of droughts. Scarcity extends across Europe Water scarcity is not limited to Mediterranean countries. In 2023, scarcity conditions affected 28% of EU territory and 32% of the bloc’s population during at least one quarter of the year. Although freshwater abstraction across the EU declined by 14% between 2000 and 2023, the EEA found no overall reduction in the area affected by water scarcity. The agency said a significant reduction in water scarcity by 2030 appeared unlikely because of climate change, more severe droughts and a worsening trend since 2010. What measures could help? The EU Water Framework Directive requires member states to promote sustainable water use and protect available water resources over the long term. The European Water Resilience Strategy also sets a target of improving water efficiency by at least 10% by 2030. Measures outlined in the EU policy framework include: reducing leaks from drinking-water networks; improving irrigation systems and agricultural water efficiency; increasing the use of reclaimed water in agriculture; reducing unnecessary consumption by households, businesses and public services; and protecting and restoring the natural water cycle. For Cyprus, the figures underline the need to reduce demand and improve efficiency, particularly during the summer months when renewable freshwater resources are under their greatest pressure. Read more: Larnaca targets 26-litre daily water saving per person in new summer campaign Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News Cabinet reshuffle expected to be broader than leaked Queer Wave film festival marks 7th year with September return to NiMAC Koshi-Athienou fire shows signs of arson, Department of Forests says (photos+videos) Firefighters contain major blaze between Koshi and Athienou Nicosia DLGO launches interactive dangerous buildings registry Confidence measures not a precondition for Cyprus talks, sources say Cyprus risks losing 50% of power capacity by 2030, officials warn Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.