Cyprus will distribute two million water-saving aerators for taps and one million shower flow reducers as part of a nationwide effort to curb water consumption and strengthen long-term water security.
Speaking at a press conference organised by EKO Cyprus, the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Maria Panayiotou, said the equipment would help households and businesses reduce water use without affecting everyday living standards.
The initiative forms part of a broader public awareness campaign aimed at encouraging more responsible use of water across Cyprus as the island continues to face mounting pressure from drought and climate change.
Pilot distribution to businesses and professional premises with high water usage began in the first months of 2026. The programme is now expected to expand within weeks to households, public buildings and military camps.
Panayiotou said the campaign carries a simple message: if every resident reduces water consumption by just 10%, the overall impact on Cyprus’ water reserves would be substantial.
Desalination at the centre of Cyprus water strategy
The minister stressed that desalination remains central to the government’s long-term strategy to secure reliable water supplies.
Despite improved inflows into reservoirs this year, Cyprus continues to invest heavily in non-conventional water sources, upgrades to ageing infrastructure and public education campaigns aimed at changing consumption habits.
Over the past two years, three additional mobile desalination units have entered full operation in Moni, Kissonerga and Limassol Port, helping to address immediate supply pressures. A fourth unit is expected to begin operating later this month, with further mobile plants planned for 2026 and 2027.
At the same time, four permanent desalination facilities are moving forward in eastern Limassol, Ayia Napa – Ayia Thekla, Polis Chrysochous and Dhekelia. Existing facilities are also being expanded to create a more resilient and flexible water network for the coming decades.
Millions allocated to repair ageing networks
The government has also approved €10.5 million worth of projects for regional water organisations in 2025, alongside an additional €1 million for local communities, aimed at replacing ageing pipelines and reducing leaks.
Emergency grants of up to €300,000 for each DLGO have also been approved to speed up repairs and improve leak detection.
According to the minister, average daily water consumption in Cyprus currently stands at around 140 litres per person, above the European Union average of approximately 124 to 125 litres.
Alongside infrastructure investment, authorities are increasing efforts to improve public awareness through the “Water for Tomorrow” campaign, led by the Press and Information Office and the Water Development Department.
In partnership with the KIOS Research and Innovation Centre of Excellence, the government has also developed the “Stagona” application, allowing households to monitor and calculate daily water usage more accurately.
Panayiotou further announced that a new dedicated website on Cyprus’ water challenges will launch this week, bringing together information on drought pressures, infrastructure projects and practical advice for water conservation.
Water saving tips
Shower: For your shower, turn off the tap when not needed, and aim for 5 minutes of continuous flow (≈ 50 litres), instead of 9 minutes for an average shower (≈ 90 litres). The shower accounts for 65% of daily consumption.
Cold shower water: Collect cold water in a bucket while waiting for the right temperature (≈ 5-10 litres). It can be used for toilet flushing or for watering plants.
Leak detection: Check the meter reading when you are away for more than 2 hours, before and after. If there is flow in the meter, there might be a leak. A leak can waste 300-900 litres per day, equivalent to the consumption of 4-6 people!
Washing machine: Operate only when full, on Eco program (≈ 45 litres) whenever possible, instead of others that require more than 100 litres per wash.
Dishwasher: Fill completely before use (≈ 11-20 litres), instead of washing with running water (up to 100 litres in 10-15 minutes).
Drought-resistant plants: Choose plants that withstand drought for your garden, such as Rosemary, Lavender, Sage, Mastic, Thyme, etc.
Balcony cleaning: Sweep and if needed, pour 1-2 buckets of water (≈ 20 litres total) (which can be collected in the bathroom), instead of 5 minutes of hose spraying (≈ 100 litres).
Watering: Fill buckets (≈ 10 litres each) and water targeted areas. Watering with an open hose for 10 minutes wastes 300 litres of water, equivalent to the daily consumption of 2 people!
Brushing teeth & shaving: Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving (< 2 litres) instead of 3 minutes of open flow which corresponds to 20 litres!
Dawn/dusk watering: Reduces evaporation by up to 30%.
Car washing: Choose 2 buckets with sponge (≈ 20 litres) instead of a hose, which corresponds to 400 litres.
As I have said in the past, why not start a government sponsored and paid for plan of equipping every home with guttering connected to water butts, with tight fitting lids and a tap.
The butts should be raised enough to be able to supply water irrigation for the garden.
More ambitiously fit water recovery to all new builds and retrospectively to older properties, this could be in the form of water emptied from washing machines/dish washers, showers and baths, this designated grey water could maybe be used for flushing toilets and car/home cleaning. Hanging flower baskets could be self watering if a spring connected to the water supply operated on the weight of the basket such that as it went lighter a valve would open allowing irrigation.
Discount swimming pool covers and holders that automatically rolled over the pool when not in use could save as much as 50% of water loss by evaporation, on a larger scale similar floating covers could be used in reservoirs. I am sure if a contest for the best water saving ideas was floated, excuse the pun, more ideas would be found.
Paul Wilders Tala.