Filenews 3 November 2025 - by Angelos Nikoklaou
The government is proceeding with new desalination projects in Limassol, Larnaca and free Famagusta, with the aim of ensuring water sufficiency and enhancing water security in view of the increased risk of water scarcity in 2026.
The Water Development Department (WDD) is planning the installation of three new mobile units in Episkopi, Vassilikos and Ayia Napa, as well as the construction of a new permanent desalination plant in East Limassol and the replacement of the old unit in Dhekelia. The government's goal is the uninterrupted water supply of all districts and the shielding of Cyprus against the effects of climate change.
Today there are five permanent desalination plants in operation (Paphos, Episkopi, Vasilikos, Larnaca and Dhekelia) with a total capacity of 235,000 cubic meters of water per day. Four other mobile units are in operation or under completion (Moni, Kissonerga, Garyllis and Limassol Port) with a total capacity of 47,000 cubic meters/day by January 2026.
Three new mobile desalination units, which will be installed within the summer of 2026 in the areas of Episkopi (Kourium), Vasilikos and free Famagusta (Ayia Napa), with a capacity of 10,000 cubic meters per day each. Each new mobile unit is estimated to cost about €3 million. Annually.
Episkopi (Municipality of Kourion) The new mobile unit will be installed near the existing Limassol desalination plant, within the administrative boundaries of the British Bases. The relevant tender was announced on September 30, 2025, with a duration of five years.
Vasilikos (EAC Power Station) The installation of a mobile unit is promoted in collaboration with the EAC, in Mari, near the existing desalination plant. The project will be announced within November 2025.
Free Province of Famagusta (Municipalities of Ayia Napa and Paralimni-Deryneia) The installation of mobile units is planned on plots that have already been assessed as suitable. Priority will be given to Ayia Napa, with a connection to the tanks of Kokkinokremmos to strengthen the water supply security of the area. It was also decided to follow the installation in the Municipality of Paralimni-Deryneia, in order to meet the water supply needs of the tourist area of Protaras.
New permanent desalination plant in East Limassol
At the same time, the construction of a new permanent desalination plant in East Limassol, with a capacity of 60,000–80,000 cubic meters of water per day, is being promoted to meet the needs of the rapidly developing urban area. After a multi-criteria analysis of seven possible locations, the WDD prefers the location of the unit near the Wastewater Treatment Plant of EOA Limassol, west of the proposed tourist area of Monagrouli. The project is estimated to be completed within five years.
Replacement of the Dhekelia unit
The WDD is also proceeding with the replacement of the old permanent desalination plant in Dhekelia, whose contract expires in 2027. The new unit, with a capacity of 80,000–100,000 cubic meters per day, will meet the needs of free Famagusta and part of Larnaca. Its construction will take place next to the existing facility.
For the rapid promotion of the projects, the Ministry of Agriculture succeeded in classifying them as projects of extremely critical importance and urgent need, with the possibility of exemptions from the environmental assessment and urban planning licensing process, in order to speed up their implementation.
At the same time, an amendment to the Forest Regulations is being promoted to allow the disposal of coastal state forest land for the purpose of installing desalination plants.
23% increase in the water market in the budget of the Ministry of Agriculture
According to the worst-case scenarios of the WFD, the reserves in the dams of the districts of Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca and Famagusta are expected to decrease further in 2026, making irrigation restrictions necessary and increasing the risk of water supply problems. On the contrary, in Paphos, where a permanent and mobile desalination plant is already operating, no deficits are foreseen.
The regular budget expenditures of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment for 2026 show a significant increase, which is mainly attributed to the increased cost of purchasing water due to the prolonged drought.
The proposed budget for 2026 that is being discussed today in the parliamentary Finance Committee provides for an expenditure of €142,1 million. for the purchase of water, compared to €116 million approved for 2025, i.e. shows an increase of €26.1 million or 23%. This amount covers the highest production costs of desalinated and recycled water to date, in order to ensure the adequacy of water supply and irrigation throughout Cyprus.
