Cyprus's Water Resources Face Severe Crisis, Audit Warns
Cyprus's water resources face severe challenges, with 64% of underground water bodies in poor condition due to pollution and seawater intrusion. Agriculture, consuming nearly 60% of total water demand, contributes only 2.3% to GDP. The General Auditor of Cyprus urges swift action to safeguard the country's water future.
The Audit Office's special report highlights chronic weaknesses in water management. Annual unbilled water losses across local boards exceeded 29%, with wastage of over 200 million cubic meters nationwide. Many of Cyprus's over 100 dams have exceeded their lifespan and lack proper safety management. The slow update of River Basin and Flood Risk Management Plans has led to EU infringement procedures.
Desalination plants, while boosting supply, bring environmental costs and raise consumer costs. The 15-year Water Development Plan, worth €1.5 billion, has seen only 14 of 60 projects completed. A 2009 study on rainwater harvesting remains largely unimplemented, leaving a valuable resource untapped.
The European Court of Auditors' 2023 special report recommends improved water savings, infrastructure investments for water reuse, and stricter water abstraction regulation to secure Cyprus's long-term water supply. Urgent coordinated action and political will are needed to address these critical issues and ensure the island's water security.
