Cyprus is heading into a second consecutive difficult year for water supply, with the government deciding to provide only 90% of projected 2026 demand for household use, senior officials said, citing low reservoir levels and limited desalination capacity.
The decision, approved by the Cabinet, comes less than a year after President Nikos Christodoulides said the water issue had been “solved” thanks to mobile desalination units loaned by the United Arab Emirates — a claim now contradicted by the government’s own restrictions.
Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou said consumption remains excessively high and warned that households may face cuts if demand does not fall. “There is overconsumption,” she said, adding that responsibility cannot rest solely with the state.
Last week, Andreas Grigoriou, director‑general of the Agriculture Ministry, told CyBC radio that the Water Management Advisory Committee — comprising state agencies and farming organisations — agreed to allocate about 104 million cubic meters of water for domestic supply in 2026, roughly the same amount provided in 2024.
“That quantity is about 10% below projected needs for 2026,” he said. “We have informed the water boards and explained the difficulties. A technical working group is now examining how best to implement the decision to avoid deeper cuts during the summer.”
Grigoriou said the ministry has no alternative options and must rely on reduced demand, improved leak control and the gradual arrival of new desalination units expected in the coming months.
Asked whether Nicosia could face water cuts of up to three days per week, Grigoriou rejected the suggestion. “Providing 90% instead of 100% does not translate into cutting supply half the week,” he said. “Our goal is to contain demand and avoid major disruptions.”
He added that households and businesses must adjust their consumption habits. “We cannot strengthen the water balance while continuing to use water in the same way at home and at work,” he said.