Cyprus authorities will completely stop supplying water from state reservoirs to golf clubs

The Cyprus Water Development Department (WDD) stated that water can no longer be regarded as a guaranteed and free resource. As part of a long-term strategy, by May 2026 the supply of water from state reservoirs to all golf courses on the island will be completely discontinued.

The decision is being implemented within a policy in force since 2005, the aim of which is to switch golf clubs to autonomous water supply sources and reduce the burden on dams and groundwater.

A number of major facilities have already switched to alternative sources. The Minthis Hills, Elea Estate, and Limassol Greens golf courses use treated wastewater or desalinated water. Aphrodite Hills and Secret Valley in the Paphos area are in the final stage of disconnection from the Asprokremmos reservoir.

Following the “green” tax reform of 2025, tariffs for golf clubs were also increased. The cost of water from state systems rose from €0.36 to €0.42 per cubic meter, while the environmental and resource levy increased fourfold—from €0.02 to €0.08 per cubic meter.

At the same time, tariffs for agriculture remain at a minimal level. Farmers using private wells pay €0.01 per cubic meter of water, and when connected to state systems—€0.17 per cubic meter.

The WDD emphasizes that these measures are not directly related to the current drought. They are based on legislation adopted in 2017 aimed at protecting groundwater resources and complying with pan-European pricing policy.

The department also commented on complaints about high water bills, noting that they are primarily due to large volumes of water intake rather than tariff increases. Although the relevant regulations were adopted back in 2017, their practical application to well users began only in 2020—after technical and administrative difficulties were resolved.