DESALINATION FOR THE FIRST TIME IN AYIA NAPA, MAZOTOS AND POLIS - THE GOAL IS TO COVER 100% OF THE WATER SUPPLY FROM DESALINATED WATER BY 2029 - Filenews 6/4 by Angelos Nikolaou
Ayia Napa, Mazotos and Polis Chrysochous are to acquire a desalination plant for the first time in the coming years. In addition, negotiations are underway to increase the desalinated water production capacity at the existing permanent units of Paphos, Episkopi, Vasiliko, Larnaca and Dhekelia.
Furthermore, due to water scarcity, it is in the process of evaluating for the purpose of documenting the need to keep on a permanent basis some of the mobile desalination units that are being implemented in order to permanently increase the total production capacity of desalination water and to strengthen the water supply security with the existence of backup units.
The Government is proceeding with a decisive turn for the final solution of the water problem of Cyprus, with the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Maria Panagiotou, giving the signal for the complete independence of the water supply from rainfall.
As the Minister clarified, the experience of recent years, with the overflows of 2022 giving way to the severe drought of 2023, has proven that complacency has no place in state planning. "The government has acknowledged the mistakes of the past and has no intention of repeating them," he noted.
The Government has set a clear and ambitious goal to cover 100% of the water supply needs exclusively from desalination plants. With this move, the water of the dams will remain as a strategic reserve for the rural world, enhancing the food security and resilience of the Cypriot countryside.
"We recognize the mistakes of the past and have no intention of repeating them," the Minister said, underlining that the planning approved by the Council of Ministers in November 2024 is being implemented continuously. The need is imperative, as the total reserves in the dams are currently at 32.7% (95.1 million cubic meters), while especially in the dams of the Southern Pipeline (ESNA) the occupancy has fallen to 27.6% (52.3 million cubic meters).
The determination is reflected in the strengthened budgets: • +54.8% in spending on water projects (from €16.6 million in 2022, to €25.7 million in 2026). • +160% for sewerage projects that increase the production of reclaimed water (from €5.5 million in 2022, to €14.3 million in 2026). • +344% for the maintenance of dams, ensuring the integrity of existing infrastructure projects (from €270,000 in 2022, to €1.2 million in 2026).
According to the data presented by Ms. Panayiotou, Cyprus is shielded with a grid of a total of 19 units (existing, mobile and permanent).
Immediate results (2025-2026)
Moni: The units in the Moni (donated by the UAE) are already operating at full capacity (15,000 cubic meters/day).
Paphos: The expansion of the mobile unit in Kissonerga has already been completed (12,000 cubic meters/day).
Limassol Port: The unit at the Port has been completed and has already been put into full operation (10,000 cubic meters/day).
Garyllis: Despite the delays due to the war in Israel, completion is expected in May 2026. Most of the equipment has already been installed on the construction site. However, there is equipment (container) as well as staff of the Contractor located in Israel and due to the war it was not possible to transport it to Cyprus (10,000 cubic meters/day).
Extensions: Within 2026, the capacity increases in Episkopi (15,000 cubic meters/day) and Vasilikos (20,000 cubic meters/day) will be completed.
The increase in the capacity of the mobile desalination plant of Episkopi from 10,000 to 15,000 cubic meters/day is expected to be completed in September 2026.
Also, the increase in the capacity of the mobile unit in Vasiliko (EAC) from 10,000 to 20,000 cubic meters/day is expected to be completed next November.
New units in 2027
New units are being launched in Mazotos and the innovative Floating Unit in Germasogeia within 2027.
The installation of a mobile desalination plant in the community of Mazotos, with a capacity of up to 40,000 cubic meters/day, is being promoted. Indicative timetable for the completion of the project is January 2027.
The installation of a floating desalination plant in Germasogeia with a capacity of 20,000 cubic meters/day is being promoted with a project completion schedule of January 2027.
Permanent units with a view to 2029
The Water Development Department is proceeding with the implementation of four new permanent units that will incorporate RES:
Dhekelia: 80,000 m³/day. Replacement of the existing Dhekelia unit. The new unit, of capacity, will cover the needs of free Famagusta and part of Larnaca. Its construction will take place next to the existing facility.
East Limassol: 60,000 m³/day. The construction of a new permanent desalination plant in East Limassol is being promoted, to meet the needs of the rapidly developing urban area. The location of the unit near the Wastewater Treatment Plant of EOA Limassol, in Moni, is preferred.
Ayia Thekla (Ayia Napa): 30,000 m³/day. A new desalination plant is planned with a connection to the tanks of Kokkinokremmos to enhance the water supply security of the area
Polis Chrysochous: 10,000 cubic meters/day. The construction of a desalination plant for the water supply of the Polis Chrysochous district is considered necessary so that it is not supplied exclusively with water from boreholes.
Free equipment in every household
The Minister of Agriculture placed particular emphasis on the cultivation of water awareness, with the aim of reducing consumption by 10% (about 10 million cubic meters of water) by 2026.
From May 2026, the distribution of hundreds of thousands of nozzles and shower regulators to all consumers, as well as to public buildings and schools, begins. The equipment will be accompanied by information material and access to digital information platforms. The form includes the benefits and instructions for installing the nozzles, which has been sent for printing on recycled paper. The development of the electronic information platform on the use of nozzles, which is available through the GOV.CY website in the "Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock" section under the "Water Supply" service, has also been completed.
The distribution of 11,000 flow regulator nozzles for Public Buildings (ministries, schools, etc.) is also progressing, the installation of which will also start in May 2026.
"Stranger Things" campaign and documentaries
The communication strategy of the Ministry of Agriculture employs modern aesthetics to "wake up" citizens from the lethargy of waste. Through the "Stagono-metro" application and the documentaries "Water Remembers" and "Water Speaks", the government seeks to turn water conservation into a daily experience, starting from schools and reaching the tourism industry.
As it is characteristically stated, the leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture makes it clear that water is everyone's concern and the shielding of the country is a non-negotiable priority.
