The Mediterranean climate is enough to put Cyprus on anyone’s map for an ideal destination…
The summers are long and dry.
The winters are mild.
And who can argue with an average of 320 sunny days a year?
Cyprus is all about water with the gorgeous Mediterranean Sea and its spectacular beaches. Seafood is abundant, along with plenty of fresh vegetables.
Water in Cyprus
However, even though the island country is surrounded by it, water remains an issue with increasing demand putting pressure on local reserves. Though enjoyable, its climate also plays a role.
The average rainfall is only 375 mm, with most falling during the winter.
Other factors also play a role. For example, some areas in Cyprus average 30 per cent or less humidity during the summer. Of course, that also coincides with the warmest temperatures in the summer months, which can reach as high as 30 degree Celsius on the Central Plain.
Geography is another vital consideration. The southern slopes of the Troodos Mountains get enough precipitation to support the viticulture in this area. Rain falls when moisture-laden clouds reach higher altitudes.
The State of Drinking Water in Cyprus
The EU membership of Cyprus in 2004 has provided additional funding for the country to manage its water resources. Financial pressures in the global economy impacted it, leading to its recession in 2009.
Cyprus began the long road to recovery with an emphasis on its water availability, a path it started in shortly after its independence in 1960.
The results are impressive…
Cyprus depends primarily on surface water to supply its population. The United Nations Development Programme provided assistance in the late 1960s to the 1970s to bolster its water reserves.
Today, there are over 100 dams, giving it a ratio of 50 large dams for every 10,000 square kilometres, the best in Europe.
Reservoirs were also key to its revitalization. These initiatives took Cyprus from a capacity of 6 to 331.93 Mm3.
Droughts and Water Availability
The emphasis on storage is critical, given the frequency of droughts in Cyprus. Forecasts by the country’s Department of Meteorology estimate that precipitation will decrease by up to 15 per cent by 2030. Already, the signs of water stress are evident.
However, the situation isn’t hopeless.
Finding a strategy for recovery depends on understanding the current water demand and use. Agriculture, by far, is the largest user at an estimated 64 per cent of resources. The domestic sector is a distant second at 28.4 and tourism, 4.7, followed by industry at 2.9 per cent.
How can Cyprus preserve its precious water resources?
Solutions for Quality A Water
Seawater desalination offers opportunities to improve access to potable water for the safety for children and adults alike. It’s an excellent complement to the wide network of dams that exist in Cyprus to provide access to fresh drinking water.
The country first used these technologies in 1997 with the construction of a plant at Dhekelia. Its output helped stave off the effects of high demand and drought. Additional operations followed in Larnaka and Limassol, along with mobile units to ensure reliable sources.
These plants use a BOOT (Build, Own, Operate and Transfer) model, with the Cyprus Water Development Department buying the supply. After some initial difficulties, the system has rebounded and succeeded.
Current projections are that they will meet the supply for the residential, tourism, and industry sectors through 2030.
The technology has advanced, making it a more affordable option. Many countries such as Spain and Malta now rely on desalinated water to reduce their dependence on local weather conditions and climate change.
However, it’s not the only part of the solution…
Promoting the Wise Use of Water
The severity of the water situation has prompted government officials to act swiftly and decisively to safeguard its availability and reliability to all sectors. The result is several innovative ways to manage this valuable resource.
Wastewater treatment plants have been on the cutting edge of some of these changes. One of the most exciting developments is the reuse of the effluent to offset one of the major contributors to water stress—agriculture.
After treatment, the effluent returns to the farms for irrigation. Some also replenishes groundwater supplies. It is the proverbial win-win situation.
The recycled water reduces costs while providing a drought-proof solution to reduced water resources with fewer negative environmental impacts.
Solutions for the Tourist and Private Citizen
These measures offer significant reductions in water use, which benefits all citizens of Cyprus. However, it doesn’t end there…
Simple things like tourists reusing linens or towels can have a profound impact over time. Likewise, reusing greywater for flushing toilets, for example, is an excellent way to reduce water consumption even more.
These tactics can help ensure that the potable resources serve their primary purpose as safe drinking water.
Cyprus like many countries in the EU must face up the challenges of drought and the threat of decreasing annual precipitation. Fortunately, solutions exist with…
Desalination.
Recycling.
Greywater reuse.
Water conservation.
All of these things can help Cyprus navigate the 21st century with a safe and reliable drinking water supply.