The Audit Office of Cyprus exposed critical flaws in water management amid climate change and rising scarcity. Officials must act urgently to protect national water reserves. The Water Development Department (DWD) holds primary responsibility for monitoring, controlling, and sustaining the country’s water supply.
Metering and Billing Failures
Auditors found major gaps in supply monitoring, billing accuracy, and record-keeping. Inspectors reported that two intake points supplying 64% of Nicosia’s water lacked routine checks. The DWD could not access Limassol’s meters or Larnaca’s telemetry, leaving invoiced amounts uncertain. Officials observed unexplained meter discrepancies but did not investigate. Staff also failed to consistently complete required documentation. The computerized Water Billing System exposed weak access controls and security vulnerabilities.
Financial Mismanagement and Overuse
The DWD collected €147.7 million, including €69.2 million from overdue Local Authority debts, but new debts continued growing. Authorities supplied €58.1 million of water to Turkish Cypriot consumers without invoicing due to political decisions. The audit revealed delayed legal actions and ineffective measures to prevent over-pumping by private companies. Businesses overconsumed water without proper billing, and officials delayed projects to improve supply in Polis Chrysochous and Tilleria, despite a 2022 study.
Urgent Reforms Required
Auditors urged tighter oversight, stronger organization, and better resource use by the DWD. Officials must enforce control mechanisms, act promptly, and implement a long-term strategy. Cyprus needs proactive, modern, and sustainable water management to secure its future supply.
