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Cyprus is taking bold steps to make drought a thing of the past, approving a sweeping plan to rely on desalinated water for all its needs by 2029. The government’s “fifth package” of water measures, announced this week, adds new mobile desalination units, upgrades irrigation networks, and launches projects to revive abandoned farmland and prevent wildfires.
Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou said three new mobile units will be installed in Episkopi, Vasilikos, and free Famagusta. Once all seven units, including existing ones in Kissonerga, Garyllis, Moni, and Limani, are running, they’ll produce roughly 77,000 cubic meters of water per day, outpacing the output of Cyprus’ two major permanent plants in Vasilikos and Paphos.
The plan aims to keep homes and communities supplied even in years of drought while freeing up dam water for farmers. Permanent desalination plants are also planned for eastern Limassol and Famagusta, running on renewable energy.
The 2026 budget sets aside €140 million for purchasing desalinated water, cementing the government’s shift toward a water-secure future. “With desalination covering 100% of our supply, we’ll finally end the uncertainty that comes with drought,” Panayiotou said.
Reclaimed water is also playing a bigger role, now covering 37% of agriculture’s needs through projects in Larnaca, Tersefanou, and West Nicosia, alongside upgrades to networks in Paphos, Germasogeia, Larnaca, and Kokkinochoria.
The government is also investing €5.25 million to fight wildfires and revive abandoned farmland, offering grants of up to €1,400 per decare for vineyards and funding for fire protection equipment and controlled grazing in high-risk areas.
“Cyprus is going through one of its worst droughts,” Panayiotou said. “But with these projects, we’re building a safe water future—if everyone does their part and stops wasting water.”
