Cyprus proposes legislation to legalize unauthorized water boreholes and enable floating photovoltaics

The Cyprus Ministry of Agriculture has submitted a bill to the House of Representatives aimed at reforming water management. The legislation proposes the legalization of thousands of unauthorized boreholes and reservoirs, provided owners pay a double fee. This move follows an abandoned 2020 initiative by the Water Development Department, which had threatened legal action against illegal water extraction. The new bill also introduces administrative fines of up to €3,000 for ongoing illegal water use, with liability assigned to the landowner if the perpetrator remains unidentified. Furthermore, the legislation authorizes the installation and operation of floating photovoltaic systems on public water projects for energy production and storage. Official reports state that the amendment seeks to strengthen control, licensing, and monitoring mechanisms for water infrastructure. The bill is also intended to harmonize Cypriot legislation with European Union standards.