Filenews 30 September 2025 - by Angelos Nikolaou
Nine years after the first special report of the Audit Office on the management of water resources in Cyprus, most of the problems identified at the time remain unresolved. This is the main conclusion of the new Special Report released today and is a continuation of the audit carried out in October 2016 with the Department of Water Development as an audited body.
Despite the passage of almost a decade and the increasing pressures from climate change and water scarcity, the competent state agencies appear to be slow, with a number of projects being delayed or not progressing at all. The Audit Office speaks of administrative weaknesses, delays in projects, dam safety problems, water loss, poor condition of aquifers and deficiencies in water quality management, among others.
In the introduction to the report, the Auditor General Andreas Papaconstantinou warns that delays and inadequacies in water management threaten its sustainable and rational use, pointing out that the situation remains problematic, despite the individual measures taken. "Improving the situation requires coordinated action, will and full implementation of European and national obligations. And the prolonged period of drought that our country is going through is ideal for the best possible preparation and taking of measures, e.g. maintenance of dams", he says characteristically.
Projects on the shelf and incomplete planning
Of the 60 projects envisaged in the 15-year Water Development Plan (2016-2030), only 14 have been completed. Although €767 million has been spent from the state budget, there is insufficient monitoring of project-by-project spending, making it unclear whether the funds are sufficient or whether additional funding is needed. In addition, the River Basin Management Plan and the Flood Risk Management Plan were submitted to the European Commission years late, even leading to a reasoned opinion for violation of European legislation.
Dams without security and inspections
Most dams are outdated and lack comprehensive maintenance plans and safety certificates. According to the report, no independent inspection has been carried out on large dams to date, while not a single final certificate has been issued for private dams. In addition, as extensively pointed out in the Special Report of the Audit Office, Cyprus has a total of 104 large dams, 56 of which are included in the ICOLD Commission's international list of large dams. Many of the dams have exceeded their planned lifespan, without ensuring full compliance with the relevant reservoir safety legislation. Despite improvements such as the implementation of a safety system and the training of WDD engineers, serious outstanding issues remain, such as the absence of operation and maintenance manuals for all dams, non-systematic preventive maintenance, and non-timely inspection by independent engineers.
Furthermore, the Report underlines the need to prepare bedrock maps in the event of a dam failure, especially for dams located near residential areas, such as the Kouris dam. Finally, the incident of a leak at the Mavrokolimbos dam (January 2025) is recorded, which is attributed to a pipeline failure and highlighted the problems of accessibility and preventive maintenance. Despite repeated recommendations, a final certificate has not yet been issued for any of the private dams.
Desalination: A necessary but costly solution
The desalination plants have contributed to meeting the water supply needs, however serious issues of environmental burden (increase in pollutants and marine pollution due to brine) are raised, but also of financial burden on consumers, as the cost remains high.
The brine, a by-product of desalination, is discharged into the sea, which according to the report has already affected the marine vegetation near the export pipelines of the Larnaca and Dhekelia units. In addition, filters that release solid materials were found. Only two units had obtained waste disposal permits by the date of the inspection.
Water from the units exhibits corrosive properties, with pipes and domestic installations (e.g. water heaters) facing severe problems. A study suggested interventions such as enrichment of desalinated water with calcium or CO₂, or mixing with dam water.
Pipelines that cross the seabed for brine extraction or water transport do not carry buoys, so there is a risk especially for passing boats or other coastal activities.
The planned policy promotes the scenario where desalination will be used as the main way to meet water needs, with dams intended for irrigation. The Report warns of the costs that will be borne by citizens, but also of the impact on water quality.
Groundwater: In critical condition
64% of Cyprus' aquifers are currently in poor chemical or quality condition, mainly due to nitrate pollution, salinization and inadequate controls. Estimating the amount of water available remains difficult and is not done accurately, which undermines any planning.
Water losses: Over 200 million Cubic Meters Lost
The problem of water losses continues to exist, with unbilled water rates in the Local Water Supply Bodies reaching and exceeding 29%. The total losses on a nationwide basis are estimated at over 200 million cubic meters of water per year, mainly due to the age of the networks.
Drinking water quality in question
The systematic monitoring of the quality of drinking water is not carried out by the majority of Local Authorities, while only 26% of boreholes have designated Protection Zones.
Lack of integrated stormwater planning
Despite studies since 2009, no measures have been implemented for the utilization of rainwater, while flood management systems also show delays and deficiencies.
Inefficiency of institutions and inadequate strategy
Indicative of the overall picture is the inaction of the Water Management Advisory Committee (SEDY), which meets only 1-2 times a year, without providing substantial guidance to the Local Water Supply Agencies, despite calls for a more active role as early as 2016.
The Audit Office calls for the strengthening of the institutional framework, with clear strategic planning, effective allocation of resources and better coordination between the competent bodies, so that Cyprus can face the ever-increasing challenges related to water.
