Control Committee raises alarm over drinking water quality and dam safety in Cyprus

On October 2, 2025, the parliamentary Control Committee discussed the findings of the Auditor General's report on the risks to drinking water quality and dam safety in Cyprus. Members of parliament demanded that the Minister of Agriculture, Maria Panayiotou, be invited to provide political answers.

The Auditor General's Office, led by Andreas Papaconstantinou, confirmed that drought is worsening the situation and requires improved management of agriculture, dams, and desalination plants. A representative of the Office, Akis Kikas, presented the key audit findings.

It was noted that the Advisory Committee on Water Management functions irregularly (1–2 meetings per year). Of the 15-year Water Resources Development Plan 2016–2030, costing €1.5 billion and covering 60 projects, only 14 have been completed; flood management measures worth €19 million remain unimplemented.

Gaps in dam safety were identified: only three dams — Germasogia, Polemidia, and Tamassos — have contingency flow plans; a risk assessment is needed for the largest dam, Kouris. Over the past 10 years, no independent inspections of major dams have been conducted, and private dams were often built without permits and remain unchecked with no final certificates.

Regarding desalination plants, it was noted that they reduce dependence on weather conditions but lead to higher electricity and water production costs, as well as environmental and technical issues; the requested economic feasibility assessment has not yet been completed.

The audit also found that 64% of water facilities are in poor condition due to urban and livestock wastewater, nitrate pollution, and desalination; many wells are illegal, and only 26% of supply wells are protected by safeguarding zones. Water losses in the networks of large municipalities and water boards are within acceptable limits, whereas in small municipal councils, unaccounted-for water can reach 70%.

Representatives of water boards requested increased funds for comprehensive loss management; the €8 million allocated to the boards was deemed insufficient. The Water Resources Development Department (WRDD) plans to present a new €26 million proposal for leakage reduction projects. Agricultural organizations again proposed creating a unified water management authority to coordinate actions and improve efficiency.

The topic will be continued at the next Committee meeting in the presence of the Minister of Agriculture.