As the summer months approach, Cyprus is confronting a significant challenge with the potential for water rationing due to diminishing reserves and rising consumption. Authorities have confirmed that the water allocation for 2026 will mirror 2024 levels, a figure that falls approximately 10% short of the island's actual needs. This substantial deficit highlights the island's precarious water situation, necessitating the formation of a specialised working group to manage current supplies and minimise the likelihood of widespread restrictions.
The government's comprehensive strategy to tackle the escalating water deficit incorporates an ongoing environmental levy on water usage. This levy, progressively implemented since 2020, primarily targets major water consumers. However, its application has generated considerable apprehension within the agricultural sector. Representatives of agricultural committees and farmer unions have expressed serious concerns regarding the financial burden imposed on producers who do not have access to official irrigation projects.
A particularly contentious issue involves retrospective charges for water drawn from private boreholes. Legislation introduced in 2017 enabled this levy, and certain farmers are now facing substantial back payments for water consumed over extended periods. Michalis Lytras, Honorary President of the Panagrotic Union of Cyprus, emphasised the potentially devastating impact of these retrospective demands. He explained that farmers who were originally billed a modest sum might now be asked for significantly higher amounts due to inflation and accumulated interest, rendering repayment impossible under current economic conditions. The considerable delay in issuing these bills, sometimes up to nine years, further exacerbates the financial shock for many.
Andreas Gregoriou, Director General of the Agriculture Ministry, acknowledged the intricate balancing act involved in managing water resources. He stated that maintaining the 2026 water allocation at 2024 levels was a deliberate decision aimed at ensuring prudent reserve management. The newly established working group, comprising experts from the Water Development Department and Local Government Organisations, is expected to play a vital role. Their responsibilities will include diligently monitoring water levels and implementing measures for equitable distribution, thereby attempting to prevent the need for drastic water cutbacks.
Nevertheless, the agricultural community remains uneasy. Many farmers contend that the environmental levy, especially when applied retrospectively and without the benefit of subsidised irrigation infrastructure, places an unfair burden upon them. Investigations are also underway into possible administrative oversights or errors in the application of regulations concerning private borehole abstraction, suggesting that some retrospective charges might be subject to re-evaluation. Ongoing dialogue between the authorities and the agricultural sector is crucial as Cyprus navigates the complex task of securing its water future amidst increasing environmental pressures and competing demands. The forthcoming months will serve as a critical assessment of the effectiveness of current water management strategies and the government's capacity to address the legitimate concerns of its agricultural producers.