Facing the looming threat of drought in 2026, Cyprus is taking significant strides to safeguard its water supply through an ambitious expansion of its desalination infrastructure. The government’s Water Development Department (WDD) has unveiled plans targeting key districts including Limassol, Larnaca, and Famagusta to enhance resilience and ensure uninterrupted access to fresh water across the island.
Dam levels have reached unprecedented lows this year—with reserves plummeting to just 10.8% capacity, down sharply from 25.9% in 2023. The largest dam, Kouris, currently holds a mere 9.8%, underscoring the critical nature of diversifying water sources.
Enforcement measures are stepping up for water conservation: individuals caught wasting water face harsh fines, escalating to criminal charges for repeat offenders. These enforcement efforts reflect the gravity of the situation as rainfall forecasts remain uncertain.
The WDD’s comprehensive plan includes the deployment of three new mobile desalination units by summer 2026, strategically located in:
Each mobile unit will contribute an estimated 10,000 cubic meters of potable water daily, with an operational cost around €3 million annually.
Parallel to these mobile units, a new permanent desalination plant is progressing in eastern Limassol, designed to meet urban growth demands with a projected capacity between 60,000 and 80,000 cubic meters per day. The site chosen is near the Limassol Sewerage Boards treatment area, west of the Monagroulli tourist zone, with completion aimed within five years.
The Dhekelia plant, key to servicing Famagusta and parts of Larnaca, is scheduled for replacement by 2027. The new facility promises an expanded capacity of 80,000–100,000 cubic meters daily and will be constructed adjacent to the current site to minimize disruption.
Due to the critical nature of these projects, the Ministry of Agriculture has designated them as urgent, allowing streamlined approval processes and proposed amendments to forest regulations to facilitate the use of state coastal forest land for desalination purposes.
The 2026 budget earmarks a 23% increase in water procurement expenditure, reflecting rising desalination and recycling costs in the face of prolonged drought. Total allocation reaches €142.1 million, an increase of €26.1 million from 2025.
Looking forward, water security challenges are projected to be most acute in Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca, and Famagusta, with irrigation restrictions likely to be enforced. Contrastingly, Paphos benefits from established desalination capacity and is not expected to experience shortages.
The ongoing water infrastructure developments not only reinforce Cyprus’s climate adaptation measures but also have wider implications for property markets, particularly in rapidly growing areas like Limassol and Famagusta. For buyers interested in exploring real estate opportunities in these evolving regions, explore our curated Cheap Houses and Villas for Sale in Cyprus and versatile Auction Properties in Cyprus for potential investment options.
As Cyprus navigates its water challenges, both residents and investors are advised to monitor developments closely, especially as urban expansion and tourism growth continue to put pressure on natural resources.
Cyprus’s commitment to expanding and modernizing its desalination network is a pragmatic response to evolving climate realities and dwindling traditional water sources. While these investments carry significant costs and require delicate regulatory balances, they are essential steps in securing the island’s future water independence and sustaining its vibrant communities and property markets.
For more insights on property trends linked to regional developments, visit our Limassol Property Listings and discover how infrastructure improvements might influence this dynamic market.
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