Filenews 1 July 2025 - by Angelos Nikolaou
The Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment submitted a revised text of the bill on water saving to the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources, taking into account observations and suggestions from both MPs and stakeholders. The purpose of the bill remains the stricter implementation of measures to prevent reckless water consumption, while the accompanying regulations repeal the previous ones of 1991 and 1998.
Following objections and suggestions, the following made significant changes:
Abolition of the authorization of individuals: The provision that allowed the assignment of controls to natural or legal persons through the purchase of services has been removed. From now on, the checks will be carried out exclusively by employees of the competent authorities (provincial self-government organizations and community councils).
Reduction of sentences and extrajudicial proceedings:
• The maximum prison sentence was reduced from 6 to 3 months and the maximum fine was reduced from €3,000 to €1,000.
• Out-of-court fees were reduced from €100 to €85 and in repetition from €300 to €150.
Clearer definition of violations: It was pointed out that the use of a hose for washing private yachts is prohibited, while businesses are excluded only if they are proven to use water for professional cleaning services.
Restoration of the basic ban: The regulation of the basic law of 1991 is restored, which prohibits the use of rubber for washing streets, sidewalks, terraces, railings and vehicles, without any exceptions.
Delimitation of Ministerial powers: The Minister of Agriculture is no longer a competent authority, but retains a role of general supervision and has the ability to issue decrees and guidelines.
Procedure for the service of notices: A special regulation provides that, in case of refusal to receive the notice, it will be affixed to the premises and will be considered as served.
Non-payment of an out-of-court fee: An increase of 50% is foreseen if it is not paid within the deadline (30 days), while non-compliance within 45 days leads to criminal prosecution.
Full deletion of exceptions: All exceptions to the ban on the use of rubber, as originally provided for professional uses, are deleted.
Suspension of regulations for complaints: Provisions that allowed the examination of complaints by competent authorities are deleted, as it was deemed that no special regulation is required in the law.
Liability of the owner of the premises: In case of violation by an employee or contractor, the owner of the premises will be liable for the payment of a fine.
Members of the Commission expressed concern about the effectiveness of the regulations in cultivating a water-saving culture. The issue of understaffing of the competent authorities was also raised, but also inadequacy in the previous evaluation of existing legislation and awareness-raising campaigns.
The Commissioner for Personal Data Protection said her recommendations had been incorporated, while agricultural organisations supported stricter measures, calling for restrictions on water consumption from golf course dams.
The issue of the ban on filling swimming pools remains open, as the Water Development Department and the Legal Service have expressed reservations, indicating that the issue is regulated by a different legislative framework.
The revised bill is expected to be debated today before the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture and then submitted to the Plenary for a vote.
