Cyprus has made significant progress implementing short-term measures to strengthen water balance and address the impacts of prolonged drought, the Water Development Department announced.
Mobile desalination units have already been put into operation, with additional installations planned until 2026. The first unit with a capacity of 1,000 cubic metres daily began operating in Kissonerga in early August, with a second unit of identical capacity to follow immediately.
By the end of September, a 5,000 cubic metre per day unit is expected to be added, followed by another of equal capacity by the end of October.
UAE donation boosts capacity
At Moni, within the Cyprus Electricity Authority power station site, units with a total capacity of 15,000 cubic metres daily have been installed as a donation from the United Arab Emirates. Their gradual operation began on 22 July and by 6 August, 12 of the 13 units were operational, with the last to follow shortly.
Beyond desalination, water supply enhancement projects are being implemented including drilling new boreholes and reducing network losses in Provincial Self-Government Organisations worth €10.5 million, and in communities outside these organisations worth €3 million.
A €3 million grant scheme for small private desalination units is also underway, with six of twelve applications already approved.
Water conservation initiatives
To limit waste, the “Stagono-metro” application operates, developed by the University of Cyprus’s “Koios” Centre of Excellence, providing households with tools to calculate and reduce water consumption. Legislation for conservation has been modernised with stricter regulations, whilst an information campaign is being implemented in cooperation with the Press and Information Office.
Future installations
The mobile desalination unit at Garyllis Limassol is scheduled for installation within four months, targeting December 2025 operation. Installation at Limassol port will be completed in January 2026.
The placement of new units with a total capacity of 10,000 cubic metres daily in Limassol, Larnaca and Famagusta is also being examined, with prospects for operation before summer 2026.
The Water Development Department emphasises that water resource management remains a continuous challenge, stressing that even with project implementation, conservation and rational use remain critical for sustainable adequacy.
