The prolonged drought and the alarmingly reduced water inflow to the dams necessitated the immediate mobilization of emergency measures. At the center of the government's planning were the mobile desalination units, which are being mobilized to offer breathing space to the water supply until the long-term plan with the permanent infrastructure, which is currently in the planning stage, is completed.
In the last two years, decisions have been taken for the construction of nine mobile desalination plants. "F" records in detail the progress, the cancellations, the delays, but also the new projects that are in the works in terms of the package of units that were expected to give a total of 157,000 cubic meters per day. For two of them, the Council of Ministers decided last Wednesday not to build them. For Ayia Napa it was decided to cancel it and for Germasogeia to postpone its implementation. Four mobile units have already started working, adding 47,000 cubic meters of water to the country's water balance. Another unit is completed in September. The remaining two are delayed and are expected to be operational before the summer of 2027.
The course of the units
Moni (15,000 cubic meters/day): The unit, consisting of equipment provided by the United Arab Emirates, was phased into operation from July 2025 and into full production in December 2025. With a recent Special Development Decree, it was decided to extend its operation until December 31, 2029.
Kissonerga (12,000 m³/day): It started operating in August 2025 and is currently producing at its maximum capacity, which has been increased from 10,000 to 12,000 m³/day after approval.
Limassol Port (10,000 cubic meters/day): It was put into full production in April 2026, significantly enhancing the needs of Greater Limassol.
Garyllis (10,000 cubic meters/day): Treats brackish water from the boreholes of the Garyllis River. Despite the delays experienced, the plant was fully operational in July 2026.
Cancellations and suspensions
However, there was no shortage of obstacles, local reactions and economic redesigns that led to cancellations and suspensions.
Final Cancellation – Ayia Napa (15,000 cubic meters/day): Although the Water Development Department (WDD) had completed the tender, the fierce reactions of the local authority and the hoteliers of the area led to the final cancellation of the project.
Postponement – Germasogeia floating desalination plant (20,000 cubic meters/day): After the initial tender ended up unsuccessful in March 2026, the Ministry of Finance requested the examination of cheaper solutions, as the cost of purchasing water from the floating unit reached €4/cubic meter (compared to €0.85-€1.82/cubic meter for onshore units). Given that the existing stocks cover 2026 and the unit in Moni was extended, it was decided to postpone the project and reconsider its necessity in the winter of 2026.
Obstacles
In two important units, obstacles are observed that delay the start of production.
Mazotos (up to 40,000 cubic meters/day): This is the largest planned mobile unit. Although a positive environmental opinion was obtained, the Community Council of Mazotos filed an appeal with the Administrative Court. Although the request to suspend the works was withdrawn following the issuance of a Special Development Decree in July 2026, the legal dispute remains ongoing, causing a delay in the schedule. It is expected to be operational in July 2027.
Vasilikos / EAC (20,000 cubic meters/day): The EAC has completed the evaluation of the tender, however, the award of the contract is stuck. The reason is the pending conclusion and signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the EAC and the WDD, which is available for legislative review at the Legal Service of the Republic. It is expected to be operational in July 2027.
Episkopi (15,000 cubic meters/day): The contract was signed in February 2026 for an initial capacity of 10,000 cubic meters, while negotiations with the contractor for its increase to 15,000 cubic meters/day are already progressing. Its opening is estimated in October 2026, while at the same time the connection pipeline and the EAC substation are being constructed.
