Filenews 27 May 2025 - by Angelos Nicolaou
In an atmosphere of intense debate and reflection, the new Regulations promoted in the framework of the amending bill for water saving were examined today in the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture, with emphasis on the imposition of extrajudicial fines for the reckless use of this precious natural resource.
Although the amendments are part of the National Action Plan to tackle water scarcity, several MPs expressed serious reservations, asking for clarifications from the Water Development Department in view of the article discussion that is expected to begin next week.
A central point of concern was the provision for the first time of an exception to the prohibitions, which allows businesses, industrial units or other premises to consume water for washing, provided that this is documented as professional use and that water-saving systems, such as high-pressure washers, are used.
MEPs pointed out that the provision, in its current form, is too general, leaving room for abuse. They raised questions such as whether the exemption only applies to activities such as car washes or whether it also covers the washing of terraces in restaurants and windows in hotels. It was proposed that clear criteria and restrictions be defined, so as not to undermine the basic message of the bill, which is stricter water management.
Intense concern was also expressed about the new provision that provides for the possibility of submitting complaints by citizens – even anonymously – for incidents of reckless water use.
MEPs raised questions about the process for verifying these complaints and called for safeguards to prevent abuses. Who will detect the violation and in what way in cases where there is no on-site presence of an officer?
Reservations were also expressed about the increase of the out-of-court fine from €30 to €100, as well as the introduction of a fine of €300 in cases of recurrence. MPs pointed out that the period of time within which the offence is considered to be repeated is not specified. It was requested that there be a clear report, so that citizens are not faced with the possibility of being burdened indefinitely for an earlier violation.
Several members of the Committee called on the Ministry of Agriculture and the Water Development Department to provide data on the effectiveness of the existing framework – specifically, how many out-of-court cases have been issued in the last five years and how many times there has been a relapse. The government has cited the ineffectiveness of the current legislation as the reason for the changes, but MPs have asked for this position to be substantiated with data.
The bill and the penalties
It is recalled that the draft law "The Water Saving (Special Measures) (Amendment) Law of 2025" provides for strict penalties for the unnecessary use of water. It includes fines of up to €3,000 and prison sentences of up to six months for offences such as washing sidewalks, walls, vehicles and boats with rubber. It also provides for the transfer of the responsibility for the payment of fines to employers in cases of reckless use of water by domestic workers.
The Parliament is expected to continue the discussion of the bill next week on an article basis, with the Water Development Department being called upon to provide substantial answers to the concerns raised. The next few days are expected to be crucial for the final formulation of the framework that will determine the rational management of water in Cyprus.
