Filenews 25 October 2025 - by Angelos Nikolaou
The Department of Water Development (WDD) is sounding the alarm for perhaps the worst water year of the last decade. With the reserves in the dams falling to marginal levels, the bet is twofold: Ensuring adequacy for water supply and protecting the agricultural sector.
Cyprus is facing one of the most difficult hydrological periods in recent years, as prolonged drought has led to a dramatic reduction in water supplies in dams. According to data from the Department of Water Development, today's reserves (October 24, 2025) amount to just 32.2 million cubic meters (ECM), corresponding to 11.1% occupancy. In the same period last year, occupancy amounted to 26.4% with reserves of 76.8 ECU.
The situation is considered particularly critical in the districts of Limassol, Nicosia, Larnaca and Famagusta, which are supplied with water by the Unified Southern Pipeline Scheme (ESNA). According to the scenarios prepared by the WDD, even with the maximum operation of the existing desalination plants, these areas may face serious water deficits in 2026, potentially leading to cuts in water supply and that water is provided for irrigation purposes only for livestock farms industry.
In the province of Paphos, although no deficits in water supply are foreseen, serious restrictions on irrigation are expected, in order to ensure the sufficiency of water for domestic use.
The WDD warns that, if conditions do not change, it will not be possible to provide water for seasonal plantations, greenhouses or for frost protection purposes, while the possibility of not providing water to stadiums, parks and green spaces is also being considered. In relation to golf courses and football fields, a study is underway to assess the impact and manage the reactions that will arise.
In an effort to inform the rural world in a timely manner, the WDD sent a text message (SMS) to all farmers, urging them not to plan new plantations without first ensuring water sufficiency for 2026.
At the same time, in cooperation with the Department of Agriculture, financial support measures for farmers who will be affected by irrigation restrictions are being considered, in order to limit the socio-economic impact.
Faced with acute water scarcity, WDD implements the "Action Plan to Address Water Scarcity", with the support of the government and decisions of the Council of Ministers. Today there are five large permanent desalination plants in operation (Dhekelia, Larnaca, Vasiliko, Episkopi, Paphos), with a total capacity of 235,000 cubic meters/day, covering more than 70% of the needs of large urban and tourist centers.
• Dhekelia: 60,000 m³/day.
• Larnaca: 60,000 cubic meters/day.
• Limassol (Episkopi): 40,000 cubic meters/day.
• Vasiliko (EAC): 60,000 cubic meters/day.
• Paphos: 15,000 cubic meters/day.
Installation of mobile desalination plants
The installation of mobile desalination plants at key points is being promoted, with the aim of putting them into operation before the summer of 2026. Specifically:
• Kissonerga: 12,000 cubic meters/day (operating a unit with a capacity of 2,000 cubic meters/day. By the end of October, units of 5,000 cubic meters/day will be added and by the end of November an additional 5,000 cubic meters/day).
• Moni (EAC Power Station): 15,000 cubic meters/day (operational).
• Garyllis River – Limassol: 10,000 cubic meters/day (opening December 2025).
• Limassol Port: 10,000 cubic meters/day (starting in January 2026).
The WDD is proceeding with the installation of new mobile units with a total capacity of 10,000 cubic meters/day in Limassol, Larnaca and Famagusta, before the summer of 2026.
• Limassol (Episkopi): 10,000 cubic meters/day (tender has been announced).
• Vasilikos (EAC): 10,000 cubic meters/day (consultation).
• Ayia Napa: 10,000 cubic meters/day (consultation).
New permanent desalination plants
At the same time, the construction of two new permanent desalination units is planned:
• In East Limassol (60,000–80,000 cubic meters/day).
• In Dhekelia, where the existing unit will be replaced (80,000–100,000 cubic meters/day).
The feasibility studies will examine the deployment of mobile desalination plants on a permanent basis, as well as the possible expansion of their capacity and duration of operation.
Small private desalination plants
With a simplified procedure approved in March 2025, hotel units, Provincial Local Government Organizations and communities that are Water Supply Authorities and for irrigation purposes by Local Authorities (municipalities, communities) are now allowed to install small desalination plants (up to 1,500 cubic meters/day).
The scheme is accompanied by €3 million in grants, with an application deadline of 30 September 2026.
So far, 13 applications have been submitted for the installation of small private desalination plants in hotels, of which 7 have been approved.
Water Loss Reduction Projects and Strengthening Communities
The WDD, in collaboration with the Provincial Local Government Organizations (HOAs) and the communities, is proceeding with a series of projects to reduce water losses.
The €10.5 million funding from the THALIA 2021–2027 programme is distributed as follows:
• Famagusta: €2.32 million
• Larnaca: €2.62 million
• Limassol: €1.90 million
• Nicosia: €1.83 million
• Paphos: €1.90 million
In addition, 13 projects were approved in communities with a total cost of €640,000, while it is possible to cover the cost of transporting water by tankers in areas facing emergency water supply problems. So far, 43 requests have been submitted for funding for loss-reduction projects.
National strategic plan to reduce losses
In July 2025, a contract was signed with EY Cyprus for the project "Reducing Water Losses and Complying with the Drinking Water Directive", which is funded by the Technical Assistance Support Instrument (TSI) of the European Commission.
The project, lasting 24 months, aims to develop a National Strategic Plan for the reduction of water losses, as well as local strategies for EDAs and WDD. Specifically, the following terms of reference were given:
• Estimation of water leakage levels for the water supply networks of the WDD and the EDCs
• Recording the current situation and calculating losses for the networks that have not yet joined the EDAs
• Preparation of a National Strategic Plan for the reduction of losses
• Preparation of Local Strategic Plans (for EOAs, WDD and some communities)
• Capacity building of WDD and NSAIDs staff.
Supporting communities with immediate water projects
As part of the development budget, the WDD is carrying out a series of direct projects to strengthen the water supply to communities facing problems due to drought or worn out networks. To date, the following have been implemented or are in progress: 31 projects in Nicosia, 18 in Limassol, 9 in Paphos, 6 in Larnaca, 1 in Famagusta.
The projects include the replacement of obsolete pipelines, the maintenance of tanks/water towers and the utilization of new boreholes. The Geological Survey Department has already drilled 13 successful boreholes, while the WDD has completed 23 exploitation projects and is studying 11 more.
