Water consumption in Northern Cyprus exceeds projections by 20 years

Environmentalists are sounding the alarm: water consumption in Northern Cyprus has surpassed projections by 20 years. The data was shared in both parliamentary committees and the General Assembly's question section.

According to figures presented to the relevant parliamentary committee, 43 million cubic meters of drinking and domestic water were consumed in 2024 alone. Of the water transferred from Turkey, 7 million cubic meters were also delivered to the Güzelyurt plain. Peak consumption occurs in August.

Agriculture Minister Hüseyin Çavuş also highlighted a 40 percent population increase, especially in regions like İskele and Famagusta, noting that this uncontrolled population growth is one of the main causes of rising consumption.

“There has been a rapid increase in municipal water consumption. In Nicosia, it rose by 18 percent in the first 5 months of 2025. In İskele, it increased by 39 percent — these are very large figures. For example, in Güzelyurt and Gönyeli the increase is 2–3 percent…,” Çavuş said.

In recent months, some mayors have stated that they are trying to estimate the unofficial population size based on “water consumption.” Water consumption in Northern Cyprus clearly exceeds the official population statistics.

With the introduction of new regulations last week, the price of drinking water sold to municipalities increased to 18.28 Turkish lira per ton. The price of drinking water supplied from Turkey to municipalities was set at 18.28 Turkish lira per ton (m³).

Previously, this price was 9.80 TL. Thus, the water price for municipalities has nearly doubled. The price of agricultural water — both from Turkey and local sources — has risen to 8.55 TL per m³.

This price increase is expected to directly affect household bills. Rising costs will place pressure on both consumers and producers.