Newsroom
Domestic water supply for the greater Paphos area is secured through the end of 2025, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, following a high-level meeting of local and national officials at the Paphos District Water Board.
Director General Andreas Grigoriou described the situation as “manageable,” emphasizing a coordinated response to rising demand and ongoing drought conditions. Based on estimates, daily water demand in the region has risen by 4% compared to last year, reaching approximately 43,000 cubic meters.
To meet this demand, authorities will draw 30,000 cubic meters from the Asprokremmos dam and the remainder from boreholes, some of which are newly drilled in the Peyia area. More drilling is planned if necessary.
Grigoriou announced the signing of a contract for a mobile desalination unit in Kissonerga, expected to supply 10,000 cubic meters daily by September. Another mobile unit in Kouklia will be operational by August, with an additional 12,000 cubic meters available by July. Two main desalination units are expected to provide a combined 25,000 cubic meters by September.
The ministry stressed that, while no water cuts are currently planned, conservation remains critical. A €9 million government initiative aims to reduce water losses through infrastructure upgrades and community action, alongside a public awareness campaign urging responsible water use.
Officials also cited progress on broader water infrastructure, including a €1.2 billion national drought investment plan approved in April, which includes new dam construction. Plans for additional dams in Diarizos and Ezousa were also discussed.
Paphos Water Board President Charalambos Pittokopitis acknowledged the situation remains "extremely difficult" but expressed cautious optimism. “Even the last drop counts,” he said, urging public cooperation.
Local MPs welcomed the updates but emphasized the need for timely project completion. The Paphos Hoteliers Association voiced similar optimism, though it noted that hotel desalination systems are unlikely to be in place before next season.
