North Cyprus may be without water, including drinking water, this summer

There may be a water shortage in the summer months including drinking water if measures are not taken to reduce water consumption in north Cyprus, said the President of Lefke Environment and Ecology Association.

Tamer Dayıoğlu, the President of Lefke Environment and Ecology Association made the claim on the occasion of World Water Day last week when he said if measures are not taken to reduce water consumption, there may be a water shortage in the summer months.

“If precautions are not taken, we may be completely dehydrated, including drinking water, this summer, Dayıoğlu said. "It is the responsibility of municipalities to solve such problems" he said.

Noting that the water scarcity experienced in many countries has made sustainable management of underground water resources a priority need, Dayıoğlu stated that the government and municipalities should take measures for more efficient use of water resources and make water cuts if necessary. Dayıoğlu noted that groundwater resources are either consumed or polluted in some regions due to uncontrolled use and mismanagement.

Stating that the importance of underground water resources has increased with the effects of climate changes, Dayıoğlu said that approximately 99 percent of the world's fresh water consists of underground water resources.

He noted that global groundwater withdrawal has increased more than fourfold in 50 years, but a very small portion of the total groundwater is still reached.