Anyone living in Cyprus knows the picture: white limescale deposits in the kettle, water stains on glasses, a slightly chlorine smell from the tap – and in the supermarket, pallets of bottled water lined up one after another. Coincidence? No. Behind it lies a structural problem that affects every household on the island.
In this article, we explain why tap water in Cyprus is problematic for many households, what exactly is in it – and why a reverse osmosis system is by far the smartest solution.
Cyprus Has a Unique Water Problem
Cyprus is the most water-scarce island in the entire European Union. The Mediterranean climate brings plenty of sunshine – but also little rain and regular droughts. The hydrological year 2023–2024 was one of the driest in the last 50 years. The island's reservoirs are barely filling up adequately anymore.
The Cypriot government's response: massive expansion of desalination plants. Around 70% of drinking water in Cyprus now comes from seawater desalination. This secures the supply, but has direct consequences for the taste and quality of the water that comes out of the tap.
What's Really in Cyprus Tap Water?
Tap water in Cyprus meets EU drinking water standards and is officially safe to drink. That's the good news.
The less good news: "safe" doesn't mean the same as "pleasant" or "ideal for everyday use". The following factors make tap water problematic for many households in Cyprus:
1. High Limestone Content – The Invisible Enemy
Cyprus has extremely hard water. The high limestone content is noticeably present in many regions of the island – not just in the taste, but throughout the entire household:
- White deposits in the kettle and on taps
- Limescale stains on glasses, sinks and surfaces
- Faster wear of household appliances like washing machines and dishwashers
- Dry skin and hair after showering
2. Chlorine and Disinfectants
Tap water is chlorinated to keep it germ-free – this is necessary and sensible. But chlorine leaves a characteristic smell and taste that many people find unpleasant. Chlorine can also form by-products that are undesirable with prolonged consumption.
3. Slightly Salty Aftertaste
Since a large portion of the water is obtained through seawater desalination, many residents report a slightly mineral or salty aftertaste – especially in cities like Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos.
4. Old Pipes
In many older buildings, the pipes themselves can be a problem. Deposits and old materials can deteriorate water quality in the last metre to the tap – even if the water left the treatment plant clean.
What Do Most Households in Cyprus Do?
The most common solution: buy bottled water. Week after week, enormous quantities of plastic bottles are sold in Cypriot supermarkets. This costs money, creates plastic waste and is simply impractical – especially for families.
Another widespread option is so-called "Penguin Water" – filling stations at street corners where you can fill large canisters for a few cents. More practical than bottles, but still inconvenient.
Both solutions are compromises. Neither solves the actual problem – and both cost significantly more in the long run than a one-time investment in a reverse osmosis system.
The Smart Solution: Reverse Osmosis Right in Your Home
Reverse osmosis is the same technology Cyprus uses to desalinate seawater – just miniaturised for the home. A reverse osmosis system filters tap water in three steps:
- Pre-filter – removes sediment, particles, chlorine, chloramines and unpleasant odours
- Reverse osmosis membrane – filters out limestone, heavy metals, bacteria, viruses, microplastics and dissolved substances
- Post-filter – refines the taste
The result: clean, crystal-clear and fresh-tasting water – available at the touch of a button at any time. No carrying, no plastic, no monthly costs for bottled water.
An important advantage: all Coway systems from hydrateme.cy are permanently connected to the water supply and filter the water directly on site – no carrying bottles, no manual refilling.
Our Coway Reverse Osmosis Systems at a Glance
At hydrateme.cy we offer four models from the Korean premium brand Coway – the right device for every household and every budget.
Coway Global P (P-6320L) – from 590€
The ideal entry-level model. The countertop unit sits on the kitchen worktop, is connected to the water supply and delivers clean, filtered water at room temperature at the touch of a button. With intuitive touch display and slim design – perfect for kitchen or office.
Coway Ciroo Driver (CHP-6310L) – from 1,100€
More comfort for everyday life. The countertop unit offers three temperature settings: cold water for hot days, room temperature and hot water for tea or coffee – all from one device. Advanced filtration removes limestone, bacteria, microplastics and heavy metals such as lead and copper.
Coway Windy III (CHP-6330L) – from 1,200€
The premium countertop unit with practical "My Cup" function – you choose the exact amount of water for your glass. Three temperature settings, modern compact design that suits any kitchen. Ideal for households wanting the highest quality and maximum comfort.
Coway Harry (CHP-590R) – from 1,600€
The floor-standing unit for high water demand – ideal for offices or larger households. Three temperature settings, powerful performance, permanently connected to the water supply.
Buy or Rent – What Suits You?
At hydrateme.cy you can either buy or rent all devices. With the rental model, there is only a one-time installation fee of 59€ – so you can benefit from clean water immediately without a large upfront investment.
All devices are professionally installed by our experienced technicians – usually within a few days of your enquiry.
What Does It Cost Compared to Bottled Water?
An average family in Cyprus spends 30–60€ per month on bottled water. Over a year, that's €360–720. A Coway reverse osmosis system pays for itself within a few years – while delivering fresh, perfectly filtered water every day without any effort.
Add to that the environmental benefits: fewer plastic bottles, less transport, less CO₂.
Conclusion: Tap Water in Cyprus Is Safe – But Not the Best Option
Living in Cyprus means making a daily choice: keep buying and carrying bottled water and paying for something that should come from the tap – or invest once and enjoy clean, fresh-tasting water permanently.
A Coway reverse osmosis system from hydrateme.cy is the more sustainable, long-term cheaper and far more convenient alternative – directly connected to your water supply, always fresh, for every household in Cyprus.
Interested? Contact us today for a free consultation.
support@hydrateme.cy | +357 97 762834
This article was written for informational purposes. All statements about water quality in Cyprus are based on publicly available sources and EU reports.