Filenews 21 October 2025 - by Angelos Nikolaou
In a crucial session of the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources, the Director General of the General Directorate of Agriculture, Andreas Grigoriou, informed the MPs about the immediate and medium-term interventions planned to address the prolonged water scarcity, which seriously affects both the primary sector and the water security of the country.
The focus of the briefing was on the design and promotion of three new mobile desalination plants, which are considered necessary to strengthen the water supply in sensitive areas of Cyprus.
According to what Mr. Grigoriou mentioned, a public tender is already underway for the creation of a mobile desalination plant in Episkopi, with a capacity of 10,000 cubic meters of water per day. This is an area that faces intense pressures, especially during the summer months, both due to tourist development and limited natural runoff.
At the same time, consultations are at an advanced stage for the installation of two more desalination plants: At the EAC Power Plant in Vasilikos, a strategic location with the possibility of interconnection with the existing energy and water supply network.
In the Free Province of Famagusta, an area that is among the most vulnerable in terms of water sufficiency, especially in the summer months, due to increased tourist traffic.
As noted, the goal is for the units to be fully operational before the summer of 2026, in order to anticipate the needs of the next dry season.
Bell for 2026
Mr. Grigoriou conveyed the deep concern of the competent services about the low water levels in the dams. With occupancy reaching just 11.3% (33 million cubic meters), it is now clear that 2026 may be a year of crisis for water supply and irrigation, especially in the districts of Nicosia, Larnaca, Limassol and Famagusta.
In this context, emergency measures to deal with water scarcity are also activated, which include, among others, the installation of mobile desalination plants in peak areas such as:
Kissonerga: 10,000 cubic meters/day
EAC Station of Monis: 15,000 cubic meters/day
Garyllis Riverbed (Limassol): 10,000 m³/day
Limassol Port: 10,000 m³/day
The General Manager's briefing underlined the strategic importance of desalination for independence from rainfall, noting that today there are five permanent desalination plants operating with a total capacity of 235,000 cubic meters/day, covering more than 70% of the needs of large urban centers.
However, Mr. Grigoriou did not fail to refer to the challenges that accompany it: High energy costs and dependence on electricity production.
Environmental impact, particularly due to brine discharge and CO₂ emissions. Vulnerability of systems to technical failures. Need for improved quality and proper management of desalinated water.
The integration of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) in the new units is a key issue for the sustainability of the model, something that is strongly discussed in the plans of the General Directorate.
Particular emphasis was also placed on the effects of water scarcity on the primary sector, with farmers already being asked to avoid new plantings without water security. The briefing also included financial support measures, but also the promotion of the reuse of reclaimed water, which in 2024 already covered 29% of irrigation needs.
According to Mr. Grigoriou, the procedures for the construction of two new permanent desalination plants are in the works: One in East Limassol, one in Dhekelia, as a replacement for the existing unit.
These projects, if approved and financed, will significantly enhance the long-term security of Cyprus' water supply.
