January's rain accounted for over three times the amount that fell in the same month last year, and around 16 times the amount that fell in January 2008.

The last January as wet as this, was in 2004 resulting in 89 million cubic metres entering the dams.

Although the restrictions have been lifted Nicos Zambakides Head of Nicosia Water Board said.

'The goverment has made the right decision, as long as the customers recognise that they need to conserve water. Our plea to customers is to save as much as possible.'

In December, water use in all areas increased by an average of 10 % with increases of up to 20 % in Nicosia