The issue of water resources was discussed during a panel session at the Cyprus Forum 2026.
During the discussion, participants presented aspects of the Water Development Department’s strategic plan for the coming years, the challenges identified in water management—from production to pricing and consumption—as well as the solutions that could be adopted to ensure water security.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
As the discussion moderator, Andreas Kazamias, emphasized, the water issue is not a problem that has arisen in recent years; but it has come to the forefront due in part to the drought the country has faced in recent years, highlighting the need for an integrated solution regarding the production, distribution, use, and reuse of water.
The greatest threat to water security in Cyprus may not be the drought itself, but rather treating infrastructure challenges as a “temporary crisis,” as emphasized by Ms. Iliana Tofas Christidou, Director of the Water Development Department.
The Department’s goal is to ensure that the emergency measures taken to guarantee the “security” of the network for future summers will keep it reliable even during “difficult” periods, by focusing on preparation, production from various sources, and rational use.
The transition is based on the stages of crisis management, increased production, reduced water losses and demand, and long-term resilience through 2050.
Why the transition is urgent
As noted by Mr. Michalis Michael, Senior Executive Engineer of the Water Development Department, water consumption has risen from 36 million cubic meters per year in 1991 to 119 million cubic meters of water per year in 2025, while at the same time, inflows into the dams have decreased dramatically in recent years. Specifically, in 2024, 28 million cubic meters of water reached the dams, while in 2025, only 12 million cubic meters.
However, reservoirs are not the only factor in the equation for water sufficiency.
The plan approved by the Council of Ministers on September 2—a six-year plan with a long-term vision extending to 2050—includes a focus on expanding desalination. Currently, desalination plants produce 282,000 cubic meters of water per day, with a target of 500,000 cubic meters by 2050.
In addition, plans call for the installation of four new permanent desalination plants that will produce 180,000 cubic meters of water per day.
As for reclaimed water, 85% is distributed and used.
Reducing water losses is also a key priority, with the majority of these losses being due to natural causes. As Mr. Michael emphasized, the cheapest option for water is simply not to waste what we produce.
A national program worth 319 million euros, with an implementation period from 2027 to 2041, aims to reduce water losses.
Giorkatzis: Need for an Independent, Unified Management Body
Constantinos Giorkatzis, President of the Nicosia Water Supply Authority (EOA), emphasized the need for an independent, unified body to manage water resources.
He cited water pricing as an example, noting that both the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Agriculture are involved in this process. As he explained, the Ministry of Agriculture sets the price at which water is billed to the Water Supply Agencies (EOA), while the Ministry of the Interior sets the final price at which water is billed to consumers.
At the same time, he referred to the across-the-board policy being implemented, expressing his disagreement, citing as an example the amount allocated for upgrading the network to reduce water losses, where, regardless of size, the Water Supply Organizations receive the same amount.
The “fit for purpose” approach
Alexandros Stefanakis, Associate Professor at the School of Chemical and Environmental Engineering at the Technical University of Crete, emphasized that part of the solution lies in a decentralized approach at the local level, with regard to wastewater management.
As he noted, this is already provided for in the European Directive, which stipulates that any community with more than 1,,000 residents must have a wastewater treatment plant to enable water reuse.
At the same time, he emphasized the “fit for purpose” approach, meaning that the quality must be appropriate for the intended use.
He also presented alternative solutions used in other parts of the world, such as a community in the Czech Republic where, via a pipeline, reclaimed water is used to irrigate fields.
The Need for Accurate Data Measurements
Marios Charilaou, Researcher in Hydroinformatics and Water Policy Planning and Managing Director of Morphosis, emphasized the importance of accurate data measurements to ensure the implementation of the optimal solution and the achievement of measurable results.
At the same time, he noted the need to collect “smaller-scale” data in order to accurately identify needs and solutions.
She also focused on the issue of illegal drilling, which requires greater oversight.
Responding to a question about whether the emphasis is placed on desalination, Ms. Tofa stressed that it is not just desalination and that other sources are also being considered.
As for the environmental footprint of desalination, the department’s intention for the future is to operate desalination plants using renewable energy sources.
Meanwhile, former Member of Parliament Charalambos Theopempou, responding to a question, highlighted the issue raised by Mr. Giorkatzis during his speech regarding the involvement of so many stakeholders.
He noted that if so many stakeholders had been involved, we could have put a plan and a budget on the table, and “we wouldn’t be here.”
