Water supply has been restored to most areas of Nicosia province following repairs to a damaged Water Development Department (WDD) pipeline that cut supplies to several districts including Lakatamia, Tserio, Anthoupoli, Deftera, and Ergates. While most residents are now receiving water, some apartment buildings located on higher ground remain without supply due to empty reservoirs, according to WDD Deputy Director Elena Foinikaridou.
Nicosia water: Restoration Efforts Underway
Authorities anticipate that all affected areas will have their water supply reinstated by Friday night. The disruption was caused by a series of failures over a three-day period that led to cascading water shortages.
Sequence of Events
The initial issue arose on 26 August 2025, when scheduled maintenance work on a pipeline was conducted. This was followed by a fault in another pipeline section on 27 August, which resulted in leakage. “The fault was repaired on the evening of the same day,” Foinikaridou explained. However, the situation worsened on the morning of 28 August, when another fault occurred in an Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) cable that supplied the pumping station responsible for transporting water to the Nicosia Water Board reservoirs.
Electrical Repairs and High Demand
The EAC addressed the electrical fault on the afternoon of the same day, which allowed the restoration process to begin. Foinikaridou noted that the high demand for water has complicated the situation, as it takes time for the Water Board reservoirs to refill before community distribution tanks can be replenished. “We as WDD supply water to the Water Board, and distribution occurs through community networks,” she clarified.
Challenges in High-Altitude Areas
Nicosia Water Board General Director Konstantinos Parmaklis described the three separate faults as having created “cascading effects” that exacerbated water supply issues. He indicated that increased demand had depleted reserves in storage tanks. “Water supply is gradually returning first to communities at low altitude and subsequently to higher areas,” Parmaklis explained, adding, “Efforts are being made to direct water to areas at higher altitude. We hope that if there is no mismanagement, tonight during the night all reservoirs will be filled.”
Community Responsibility
Parmaklis further emphasised the role of residents in managing their water consumption. He noted that when some users overconsume, it can hinder the supply from reaching higher elevation points. He appealed to residents in affected areas to “not engage in unnecessary consumption” to facilitate the distribution of water to those still without supply.
The Role of the WDD and Water Board
The Water Development Department is responsible for supplying water to the Nicosia Water Board, which then manages distribution through individual community networks across the affected districts. This structured approach aims to ensure that water reaches all areas efficiently, despite the recent disruptions.
Looking Ahead
As the authorities work towards full restoration, they remain vigilant about the potential for future water shortages, especially in light of Cyprus’s ongoing challenges with water supply. Reports suggest that country-wide water cuts may be expected in 2026 as the island faces increasing pressures from climate change and population growth.
Community Updates
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the water supply situation through local channels. The WDD and Nicosia Water Board are expected to provide regular updates as restoration efforts progress and as the community navigates these ongoing challenges.
