Filenews 4 February 2026
The possibility of cuts in water supply during the summer months remains open, due to reduced water supplies and increased demand, as stated by the general director of the Ministry of Agriculture, Andreas Grigoriou.
Speaking on state radio, Mr. Grigoriou stated that, based on decisions of the Water Management Advisory Committee and the Council of Ministers, for 2026 approximately the same amount of water will be made available for water supply purposes as in 2024. As he clarified, this quantity is about 10% less than the real needs.
According to him, a working group has already been set up with the participation of the Department of Water Development and the Provincial Self-Government Organizations, with the aim of the best possible management of reserves and the avoidance of extensive interruptions in water supply.
Mr. Grigoriou also defended the implementation of the environmental fee on water, pointing out that its implementation began gradually from 2020, with an emphasis on large consumers. As he mentioned, there are mechanisms for controlling charges, as well as possibilities for settling debts in instalments.
Referring to the issue of drilling, he acknowledged that there may have been errors or omissions in the implementation of the relevant regulation, noting that the issue will be investigated in cooperation with the competent department. He stressed, however, that the holders of water abstraction licenses were aware of their obligations.
At the same time, he rejected comparisons with other water uses, clarifying that facilities such as golf courses, which use recycled water, pay a significantly higher environmental fee.
