Filenews 24 January 2026 - by Angelos Nikolaou
The management of water resources for 2026 is entering a state of emergency, as the Council of Ministers, by ratifying a relevant proposal by the Minister of Agriculture, which was based on a report by the Department of Water Development (WDD), is making significant cuts in water allocation. The prolonged drought and historically low levels of inflow into the dams oblige the state to impose a 10% reduction in water supply and a painful 33% reduction in irrigation, in order to ensure the country's water security by the end of the year.
The picture presented by the Water Development Department is dramatic. Despite the recent rainfall, the total influx into the dams since October corresponds to only 21% of the historical average inflow. It is noted that since the beginning of this hydrological year, rainfall continues to move at low levels. Specifically, for the period 1/10/2025 – 23/1/2026, the total rainfall amounted to 234,3 millimeters, which corresponds to 80% of normal.
On 23 January 2026, total stocks across Cyprus were limited to 32 million cubic metres (ECM), i.e. an occupancy rate of only 11% (Southern Pipeline Single Plan (ESNA) Dams: 19.5 ECM, Paphos Dams: 7.9 ECM).
>> Water supply: 103.4 ECM will be granted (from 114 ECM in 2025), a 10% reduction deemed necessary as a precautionary measure to avoid uncontrolled water outages in the summer. In 2024, 110 ECMs were granted.
>> Irrigation: The agricultural sector is being hit the hardest, with quantities limited to 22.2 ECM (from 33 ECM last year), recording a decrease of 33%.
Agricultural organizations are shouting – What they suggest
The decision provoked a strong reaction from farmers' representatives in the Water Management Advisory Committee (SEDY). Agricultural organizations voted against the proposal, arguing that cuts in water supply should be greater to support primary production. At the same time, they urgently raise the issue of financial compensation for the loss of income that professional farmers will suffer due to water scarcity.
The general secretary of PEK, Christos Papapetrou, a member of SEDY, speaking to "F", said that all the representatives of the agricultural organizations took a negative position in relation to the concession of the reduced quantities of water to agriculture and asked for greater cuts in the quantities of water that will be provided for water supply. As he said, the critical situation is being managed, which must be fair and concern all water, water and irrigation users. He added that it is not possible for the agricultural sector alone to suffer the water crisis and to call on citizens to make water savings without water consciousness. He suggested that reclaimed water in the mountains be properly treated, that inactive boreholes be utilized, as well as that desalination for agricultural projects of reduced cost should be planned from now on with the use of RES. At the same time, he suggested that it be mandatory for hotels, golf courses, hydroparks, to build private desalination plants to meet their needs, as well as to consider the possibility of using seawater in swimming pools.
The weight falls on the desalination plants
The gap left by the empty dams is called upon to be filled by the desalination units, which will operate at the maximum possible capacity. In 2026, the production of desalinated water is expected to reach 85.7 ECM compared to 73.5 ECM in 2025 and 72.2 ECM in 2024.
In the event that there are no extremely significant inputs that will overturn the storage data and the same conditions and increased overconsumption continue, it is expected that within 2026 the system of the Single Southern Pipeline Plan (ESNA) will show significant deficits, as its most important dams will have zero reserves, before the summer season of 2026.
In fact, the Council of Ministers was also informed about a window for reviewing the decision in the event that by April 30 the inflows exceed 32 ECM for the South Pipeline and 11 ECM for Paphos and, therefore, the quantities will be reassessed and additional water will be provided.
Six immediate actions to reduce consumption
The Ministry emphasizes that the 10% reduction in water supply is not expected to affect the daily lives of citizens, provided that there will be rational use and compliance with the instructions, as well as good cooperation between the WDD and the Water Supply Authorities (EOA and Communities). The ever-increasing increase in water demand (4-6% per year in recent years) makes individual responsibility more critical than ever.
Regarding the measures to manage demand and reduce consumption by 10%, the Ministry of Agriculture is proceeding with six immediate actions, with implementation starting in February.
1. Public information campaign. For the period February – May 2026, another water saving campaign is planned to achieve a reduction in total water overconsumption by 10% compared to 2025 consumption.
2. Saving water in public buildings and facilities, even though water consumption in public buildings is estimated to be a very small percentage in relation to the total consumption of water supply.
3. Provision of water saving equipment in homes and premises. The action concerns the year 2026 with an estimate of expenditure that will amount to up to €6 million.
4. Campaign to reduce water consumption in the tourism sector. The consumption of water by tourist and hotel units is constantly increasing, resulting in the problem of water adequacy, especially during the peak months.
5. Issuance of Directives with guidelines for the period of drought and water scarcity. The pillar of demand management and the measures of timely and controlled reduction of consumption in such conditions of water crisis are considered imperative.
6. Additional state sponsorship to the Provincial Local Government Organizations (EOA) for the implementation of immediate actions to reduce losses.
