Cyprus addresses severe water shortages with increased desalination and reclamation budgets

Cyprus is currently addressing a severe water crisis while simultaneously maintaining a leading position in the European Union regarding the utilization of reclaimed water for irrigation. During 2025, the country achieved a 93% reclamation rate, producing 32.6 million cubic meters of water, of which 30.1 million were allocated for agricultural use. Experts suggest that full integration with sewage systems could provide an additional 22 million cubic meters annually.

Despite these efforts, the 2025 water situation deteriorated significantly, with dam reserves dropping to approximately 11%. Consequently, the Department of Water Development has submitted a record budget for 2027, requesting €168.069 million for desalination. This figure represents an increase of €26 million compared to the 2026 budget and €80 million over 2025 expenditures. The funds will cover operations at permanent desalination plants in Limassol, Larnaca, Dhekelia, Vasilikos, Episkopi, and Paphos, as well as several mobile units in locations such as Kissonerga and the Limassol port to prevent severe irrigation restrictions.