Water is not just a natural resource — it is essential to people and ecosystems. Today, Cyprus is faced with a reality in which water consumption far exceeds the natural reserves that are renewed every year, which ranks it among the most water-stressed countries in Europe*. At the same time, the picture of low levels in dams and the increasing dependence on desalination demonstrate the magnitude of the challenge.

The "Mission Water-Zero Drop" program, implemented since 2013 by the international organization Global Water Partnership - Mediterranean (GWP-Med) with the financial support of The Coca‑Cola Foundation, is bringing to life projects addressing water scarcity and promoting the sound management of water resources across the country.

One of the projects that stands out is the intervention that took place in 2017 at the Nicosia Municipal Swimming Pool, a space that operates all year round with high daily traffic and, by extension, significant water consumption. According to GWP-Med, “80 modern water-saving devices were installed in showers and washbasins in the locker rooms, equipped with automatic flow shut-off valves, with the goal of contributing to responsible water use”. This is a practical intervention that proves that saving does not always require large and complex investments.

Michalis, a lifeguard at the swimming pool, lives the value of water up close. He highlights that the pool is a vibrant community space, where people of all ages come to swim, exercise, and relax, with water serving as a source of well-being and connection. At the same time, he notes that areas such as locker rooms and showers reveal how easily water can be wasted through everyday practices. Prior to the intervention, inefficient habits such as taps left running longer than necessary and uncontrolled shower use contributed to a significant accumulation of water loss over time.

As stated by GWP-Med representative, Dr. Nikos Skondras, Manager of Mission Water – Zero Drop, “Counting 21 projects in total, the Mission Water – Zero Drop program contributes to water conservation while raising awareness of responsible water use. Through a combination of technical interventions and educational activities, it promotes a new culture of water use — one that emphasizes efficiency, reuse, and responsibility. Emphasis is also placed on the use of alternative water sources, such as rainwater and recycled greywater, for secondary uses including irrigation. These practices have been implemented in the district of Nicosia, Pafos, and Limassol, with the aim of strengthening local infrastructure and helping reduce pressure on already limited natural water reserves.”

Water is essential for life, communities and making beverages people love. The Coca‑Cola Company’s water strategy includes efficient water use in its group operations, as well as giving water back to nature and communities. Together, the Coca‑Cola system and The Coca‑Cola Foundation invest in projects worldwide to improve watersheds that supply water for drinking, agriculture and manufacturing.  Since 2015, the equivalent of more than 100% of the water used in our finished beverages has been returned to nature and communities.

* https://www.eea.europa.eu/en/analysis/indicators/use-of-freshwater-resources-in-europe-1