Research reveals Cyprus cannot accurately track groundwater extraction amid rising pollution and unauthorized pumping
Recent investigative research reveals that Cyprus is unable to accurately determine the volume of groundwater being extracted, raising concerns about water management on the island. The study, which used data from the Water Development Department (WDD) and the Audit Office, found that 76% of irrigation water comes from private boreholes, many of which are not properly monitored. Out of 22 groundwater bodies, 14 remain in poor condition due to nitrate pollution and seawater intrusion.
The WDD reported over 137,000 licensed boreholes, but many pre-2010 licenses are not fully documented, limiting oversight. Only 46,353 abstraction points have approved annual pumping limits, yet actual extraction volumes cannot be accurately calculated due to inadequate monitoring systems. A disproportionate share of pumping rights is held by a small number of license holders, with 1.4% authorized to pump nearly 68% of the total volume.
A specific case in Monagroulli, Limassol, exposed companies exceeding pumping limits by up to 26 times, resulting in fines but little deterrence. In response, the WDD has increased staffing and a new bill proposes a 12-year permit review cycle and a centralized abstraction register. These measures follow European Commission infringement proceedings against Cyprus over insufficient water permit reviews.
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