Water reserves below demand
The possibility of summer water cuts remains open, as water reserves are reduced and demand increases during the hotter months. Speaking to RIK, the Director General of the Ministry of Agriculture, Andreas Grigoriou, said that based on decisions by the Advisory Committee on Water Management and the Council of Ministers, roughly the same amount of water will be allocated for domestic use in 2026 as in 2024.
However, this volume is estimated to fall short of real needs by around 10%, increasing pressure on the water supply system during peak summer demand.
Efforts to avoid widespread disruptions
Grigoriou said a working group has been set up involving the Water Development Department and District Local Government Organisations. The aim is to manage available reserves as effectively as possible and avoid extensive water supply interruptions.
He stressed that every effort is being made to ensure targeted and controlled management rather than broad and prolonged cuts.
Environmental fee and billing concerns
The Director General defended the implementation of the environmental water fee, noting that it has been introduced gradually since 2020, with priority given to large consumers. He also highlighted that consumers have options to challenge charges and to arrange repayment plans in instalments.
At the same time, he acknowledged that errors or omissions may have occurred in the application of the regulation to boreholes, adding that the issue will be examined in cooperation with the competent department. He underlined, however, that licence holders were aware of their obligations.
Golf courses and recycled water
Responding to comparisons with other water uses, Grigoriou rejected claims of unequal treatment. He clarified that golf courses using recycled water are subject to significantly higher fees, reflecting both consumption levels and environmental considerations.
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