Filenews 14 December 2025 - by Angelos Nikolaou
Cyprus is facing a new reality of intense and permanent water scarcity, being at the center of serious climate challenges. The Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Andreas Grigoriou, describes the situation as extremely critical, with rainfall having decreased by 15% and inflows into dams by 40% since the 70s. The Government responds with a comprehensive, long-term plan based on two new pillars with the aim of completely decarbonizing the water supply, as well as the further utilization of the recovered water for irrigation. Furthermore, he refers to the major projects that are being promoted throughout Cyprus. In addition to climate change, the strategy focuses on tackling network losses (unaccounted water), which reach up to 40%. Mr. Grigoriou emphasizes that water scarcity is a permanent situation that requires the conscious participation of all. Furthermore, he emphasizes that the success of the national plan, which includes investments of €1.2 billion. in 93 projects (National Investment Plan for Water Projects), depends on the adoption of saving practices by every citizen and professional, so that Cyprus becomes a model of resilience in the Mediterranean.
– Cyprus is facing one of the most severe periods of drought. What is the magnitude of the water problem today, based on the latest data?
Thank you for the opportunity you give me to present the work being done for the implementation of water infrastructure and the measures we are taking to deal with water scarcity. This issue concerns all of us, because water is a key element of everyday life, of the economy, of agriculture, of the safety of our communities and, ultimately, of life itself on our island.
The situation is extremely critical and, unfortunately, it is the new reality of the Eastern Mediterranean, with the result that the Republic of Cyprus is also facing a very acute water problem and therefore we have proceeded with plans to get out of the impasse. The facts are relentless since Cyprus is currently at the center of one of the most serious climate challenges internationally:
>Reduced rainfall and inputs: Total rainfall has decreased by about 15% since the 70s, while inflows to dams have decreased by 40%. The hydrological year 2024-25 was one of the driest, with rainfall around 65% of normal. It is among the driest years recorded since 1902 and is the 8th worst in the history of measurements. The three-year period 2023-2025 is recorded as one of the driest.
>Dam occupancy: Indeed, the situation is particularly difficult, perhaps the most unfavourable in the last decade for the corresponding period. According to the latest data, the amount of water stored in the main dams amounts to only 9.4% of the total capacity, compared to 25.5% last year. The inputs are practically zero, as the total rainfall to date (December 2025) reaches only 26% of normal.
The intensity of the problem is mainly due to climate change. The reduced overall rainfall, combined with the increase in temperature, leads to lower inflows into the dams and greater evaporation of the stored water.
>Water pressure: Cyprus records the highest Water Resources Exploitation Index (WEI+) in the European Union, reaching 91.8%. We are the country with the highest water pressure in the EU, while internationally we rank second in the world after Bahrain. This situation is not temporary; it is, unfortunately, the new reality of the Eastern Mediterranean.
>Permanent deficit: The annual available amount of fresh water does not exceed 200 million. m², against a total needs of 266 million. This means that we operate with a permanent annual deficit of 66 million cubic meters.
At the same time, water needs are increasing at a significant rate. Water demand has tripled since 1991, as population, living standards and tourism have increased significantly. Peak consumption periods – particularly in Limassol and Paphos – have increased significantly in recent years. In 2024, 112 million cubic meters of drinking water from boreholes, dams and desalination were made available through the Government Water Supply Systems, an amount that scientific models predicted, in the worst case scenario, for 2031.
All this leads us to a clear conclusion: the balance between demand and availability has now been definitively broken.
Our country, due to its geographical position - as an island state in the Mediterranean - is in a temperature "hot spot", being one of the most vulnerable areas on the planet to climate change. According to climate models, the rate of temperature increase in our region is up to twice the corresponding world average.
What are the main problems that exacerbate the impasse beyond climate change?
-There are three main factors that increase pressure:
*Increased demand: The demand for water supply has tripled since 1991 due to the increase in population, tourism and living standards.
*Network losses (unaccounted water): A huge problem is the losses in outdated water supply networks, which reach up to 40% of the water. This amounts to a waste of drinking water, mainly in networks under the responsibility of Local Government Authorities (ATAs).
*Problems of irrigation departments: Age of networks, outstanding debts and operational weaknesses in the Irrigation Departments make it difficult to manage irrigation water rationally.
In addition to climate change, what other chronic weaknesses are exacerbating water scarcity, especially in terms of networks?
-A major challenge is the losses in the water supply networks, which reach up to 40% in some areas. This is mainly due to the outdated networks that are under the responsibility of the Local Government Authorities (LGAs). This waste is unacceptable and it is our immediate priority to tackle it.
– What are the central strategies and immediate proposals of the Government to get Democracy out of this impasse?
-Our strategy is based on two new, stable pillars and a comprehensive investment plan.
>Desalination pillar for water supply: Desalination plants are today the main pillar of water supply security. Five large plants are already producing over 235,000 cubic meters of water per day. But as demand increases, a major effort to boost desalinated water production has already begun.
> Objective: Complete independence of the water supply from rains.
>Immediate projects: Four mobile desalination plants are progressing in Moni, Kissonerga, Garylli and Limassol Port, with the aim of reaching an additional capacity of 47,000 cubic meters per day by the beginning of 2026. Three more mobile units (Episkopi, Vasiliko, Ayia Napa) will add 30,000 cubic meters per day, when the tenders have been announced and they are expected to operate in the summer of 2026, raising the total aid to more than 77,000 cubic meters per day.
We are also studying the construction within 2026 of two more desalination plants in the area of Mazotos and in the free area of Famagusta.
>Long-term: The construction of a new permanent unit with a capacity of 60-80,000 cubic meters of water per day in Eastern Limassol is planned, as well as the replacement of the Dhekelia unit (completion by 2030).
When their construction is completed, Cyprus will be able to cover all water supply needs exclusively from desalination, freeing up valuable dam water resources for agriculture.
>Reclaimed Water Pillar (for Irrigation): The second major pillar is reclaimed water.
>Performance: Cyprus utilizes about 90% of the reclaimed water, a percentage unique in the EU, currently covering 37% of irrigation needs and contributes to the reduction of over-pumping, the enrichment of aquifers and the stability of the system even in times of extreme drought.
> Projects: Major development projects are underway in West/East Nicosia, Larnaca, Polemidia, Moni and Ayia Napa – Paralimni, with the aim of gradually integrating more irrigation areas into the reclaimed water system.
>National Water Projects Investment Plan (2024-2035): The first holistic plan, approved in April 2024, by the Council of Ministers that includes 93 projects with a total cost of €1.2 billion, covering projects and infrastructure for water supply, irrigation, sanitation and reclaimed water across Cyprus. Its goal is not only to strengthen our country's water security and shield against water scarcity, but also to comply with critical European obligations, such as the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive.
This Plan is the backbone of the national strategy for water security, as it aims to cover, not only the current water supply and irrigation needs, but also to create infrastructure resilient to the challenges of the climate crisis and water scarcity.
–What are the measures to reduce losses and improve infrastructure at local level?
-Reducing losses is critical.
Provincial Local Government Organizations (NOAs): With the creation of the NGOs, the responsibility for the management of water supply systems passes to them, with the main goal of reducing unbilled water. In March 2025, the payment of €10.5 million was approved. EDAs for immediate network repairs within one year.
Support for remote communities: The payment of €1 million was approved. per year (2025-2027) for the next three years to cover needs and losses in remote non-EDA communities.
Irrigation and savings: The De Minimis Aid Scheme has been implemented since 2020 for the Irrigation Sections (to date, €1.26 million has been allocated to 61 sections). Actions are promoted through the CAP 2023-2027 Strategic Plan for precision agriculture, installation of photovoltaics to reduce irrigation costs and informing farmers for optimal management.
– What is your strategy for irrigation, as farmers are particularly affected?
-Irrigation is increasingly based on the utilization of recovered water (recycled). Cyprus is a pioneer in this field, utilizing the reclaimed water from 9 Wastewater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) at a rate of more than 85% (55% directly for irrigation, 30% for enrichment). In 2024, reclaimed water covered 37% of total irrigation water.
A Master Plan for the use of reclaimed water in Nicosia, Limassol and Ayia Napa/Paralimni is also being promoted.
In the context of this overall effort, an important role is also played by the Water Management Advisory Committee (SEDY), which is the institutionalized advisory body that studies and proposes solutions for the allocation and management of water resources to the Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment on water policy issues.
The SEDY, in which state services, organized water users and other stakeholders participate, examines the data, assesses the needs and recommends the necessary measures for the rational and sustainable management of the country's water resources. In this way, it contributes to the formulation of informed decisions and the coherence of the policies implemented to address water scarcity and enhance the water security of Cyprus.
Furthermore, the communities of the mountainous countryside also have an important place in the national effort. Through targeted projects, such as the utilization of boreholes for the water supply of villages in all provinces, the replacement of pipelines and the strengthening of water supply in various areas, the state responds to the need to strengthen water supply and irrigation, i.e. access to water, and the resilience of remote areas. These projects also highlight the critical role of water as a factor of security, development and quality of life in the countryside.
Consequently, the Department of Water Development, recognizing the seriousness and extent of the problem of water scarcity, proceeds with the implementation of a comprehensive and documented action plan, with long-term planning and clearly defined objectives. This plan is being implemented gradually and aims to ensure the fullest possible coverage of water needs, with priority given to water supply and then other uses.
Design for weathering
– How is the long-term exit of the Republic from dependence on weather conditions ensured?
-Our goal, through the Action Plan to address water scarcity (approved by the Council of Ministers in November 2024), is the complete independence of Cyprus from weather conditions for water supply. The plan includes:
Increase in production: Upgrade of existing units and addition of two new permanent desalination plants (Dhekelia and East Limassol).
Policy Review: Revision of water policy for adaptation to climate change and revision of pricing policy as a saving measure.
Private participation: Grant Scheme of €3 million approved for the installation of small private desalination plants in hotel units, as well as simplification of the licensing framework for units up to 1,500 cubic meters.
–What is the role of technology and the education of farmers in the effort to save money?
-He is decisive. We emphasize the rational use of water in irrigation:
Education: Educational meetings were held in all Districts (e.g. Astromeritis, Xylofagou, Episkopi) and we sent a guide of good practices to 25,000 farmers.
Subsidy: Smart irrigation systems are included in the eligible actions of the SCAP investment plan, with the call already open until January 2026. For large permanent plantations, their adoption is even an obligation. By utilizing these systems, it is expected that a smaller amount of water will be used without reducing the productivity of the plantations.
– In closing, what is the message you want to send to citizens and professionals?
-The Ministry is implementing a comprehensive, documented action plan aimed at ensuring that water needs are met, giving priority to water supply. However, success also depends on all of us. Water is a national good. Every citizen, every professional, must adopt saving practices. Conscious use and reduction of waste are the first and most immediate measure to get our country out of this water impasse.
Water scarcity is a permanent condition, not a temporary difficulty. It must mobilize us. Cyprus now has infrastructure, plans and the will to become a model of resilience in the Mediterranean. Our goal is to build a rain-independent Cyprus for water supply, with extensive use of recycled water for irrigation purposes and the active participation of everyone, from the state to every citizen, in savings. I am confident that with cooperation, we will build a water-safe and sustainable Cyprus.
