mountain communities — Ensuring the availability and quality of drinking water for the mountain communities is the water development department’s (WDD) priority, it announced on Thursday. In light of recent water cuts and supply issues in the mountainous areas, the WDD is implementing various measures to control water waste and enhance supply.
The department stated, “In response to the recent water cuts and supply issues which took place in the mountainous areas, the WDD will be taking all necessary measures to ensure water adequacy.” To this end, the WDD is collaborating with local authorities and the Geological Survey Department to explore permanent solutions for water interruptions. This includes the drilling of water boreholes.
So far, the Geological Survey Department has drilled 13 boreholes, while the WDD has completed 23 projects aimed at developing both new and existing boreholes. Additionally, the department is considering 11 more drilling projects to further secure water supply.
Addressing drought and reducing water waste are high on the WDD’s agenda. They are installing mobile desalination units in areas such as Kissonerga, Moni, Garyllis, and Limassol port, with a total capacity of 45,000 cubic metres per day. Furthermore, new tenders have been announced for the installation and operation of temporary drinking water desalination units, expected to have a daily capacity of up to 30,000 cubic metres in Limassol, Larnaca, and Famagusta.
The department is also focused on minimising water loss within the supply network. With a budget of 10 million euros allocated through the ‘Thaleia 2021-2027’ programme, plans include replacing old pipelines and constructing new water boreholes.
In a bid to ensure long-term solutions, the WDD is set to install permanent desalination units in private establishments such as hotels, with each unit capable of processing 1,500 cubic metres of water per day. To promote better water management, the department will revise water usage policies and launch new information campaigns aimed at encouraging water conservation.
To address immediate water supply needs, the WDD will temporarily deploy water tanker vehicles, aiming to minimise the risk of further water cuts. However, the department advises prudent water usage to maintain a consistent supply. “Rational water use is advised so that the water supply remains uninterrupted,” the WDD stated.
Cyprus has long faced significant challenges regarding water resources, ranking among the highest globally for water stress. The high levels of consumption in relation to the available supply underline a pressing need for increased water awareness among the populace.
In collaboration with the University of Cyprus’ ‘KIOS’ Research and Innovation Centre of Excellence, the WDD has developed the ‘Stagonometro’ platform. This tool assists households in calculating their water consumption, promoting responsible usage.
