The ‘Larnaca -26’ initiative, introduced by the District Organisation for Local Government, will run for the next four months across the city and district. Officials described the target as ambitious but achievable, stressing that it could deliver significant collective savings.
Speaking at a press conference, Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou said the goal is for each resident to cut their daily water use by 26 litres, equivalent to around 9.5 cubic metres per person annually. For an average four-member household, this translates into savings of nearly 38 cubic metres of water each year.
“If this target is achieved across the entire Larnaca district, total savings could exceed three million cubic metres of water annually. This is a particularly significant quantity, which could be used for irrigation purposes, and demonstrates that small changes in everyday habits can produce a very large collective result,” she said.
The minister added that the campaign comes at a critical time. Despite higher rainfall levels this year, she warned there is no room for complacency, noting that water scarcity remains one of the country’s most serious challenges. Demand is expected to rise sharply during the summer, while the impacts of climate change continue to intensify.
“Prolonged periods of drought, reduced rainfall and increased demand make collective action essential,” she said.
Cyprus ‘highly vulnerable’
Ms Panayiotou said Cyprus ranks among the most vulnerable regions in Europe in terms of the impact of drought and climate change. Available water reserves remain under significant pressure, making responsible use of water resources essential.
Average daily consumption on the island stands at around 140 litres per person, compared with an EU average of approximately 124 to 125 litres.
“This difference highlights the potential to improve our daily habits without affecting our quality of life. According to the Water Development Department, even a 10% reduction in consumption can make a decisive contribution to managing water supply and maintaining reserves until the next hydrological period,” she said.
Online platform launched
The president of the Larnaca District Organisation, Angelos Chatzicharalambous, said water conservation and the promotion of a culture of efficient use are key priorities.
He noted that the campaign focuses on raising public awareness and encouraging collective action for better water management. As part of the initiative, a dedicated online platform has been launched, providing information, practical advice and specific actions for more efficient water use.
The platform is intended to serve as a tool for public engagement, encouraging residents to take an active role in efforts to reduce consumption.
The campaign is part of broader efforts to promote more sustainable water use habits, as authorities stress that long-term behavioural change will be critical in addressing Cyprus’ ongoing water challenges.
