The government plans seven desalination facilities and allocates €200 million for the water network

Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou said on Wednesday that 2025 became the worst year for prolonged drought since 1901 and that the priorities for 2026 remain combating water shortages and developing Akamas in Cyprus.

To address water scarcity, the government intends to focus on desalination, including the creation of at least seven desalination facilities in Limassol, Paphos and Famagusta. €200 million has been allocated for upgrading the existing network and for the procurement of desalinated water, with more than €140 million dedicated specifically to the purchase of desalinated water — the largest amount of its kind.

The registration procedures for small private desalination units have been simplified. Local district organisations (EOA) have been provided with funding to reduce water losses. Director of the Environment Department Theodoulos Mesimeris stated that studies will be carried out on the cumulative effects of brine accumulation and the possibility of its reuse.

MP Charalambos Theopemptou expressed concerns about brine and the decline in fish populations. The minister responded that strict regulations are in place and that the decrease in population is of a more general nature. MP Savia Orphanidou inquired about possible water cuts and the use of cloud seeding; Panayiotou noted that the projects are aimed at preventing cuts, but some mountain communities cannot be connected to the network, and a separate study is underway for this.

Deputy Director of the Water Resources Department Elena Foinikkaridou reported that 29 communities in western Nicosia are to be connected in the second phase of the Vasilikos–Nicosia pipeline project, set for completion by 2030. Regarding cloud seeding projects, the ministry contacted experts from Israel and the UAE, but effectiveness is not yet confirmed.

MP Nikos Kettiros emphasised the impact of water shortages on farmers; Panayiotou stated that in the autumn agricultural producers received recommendations on crops and planting volumes. A review of the national water policy until 2050 is underway. Regulation of swimming pool use and the possibility of using seawater are being discussed. Regarding Akamas, a project for a new road network with a reduced environmental footprint will be submitted to the Council of Ministers within a month; park rangers are being recruited and operating rules developed, with completion planned for 2027.