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RECYCLING OF GREY WATER
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USE USE AND CONSERAND CONSERVVAATION OF WTION OF WAATERTERIN CYPRUSIN CYPRUS
MINISTRMINISTRYY OF OF AGRICULAGRICULTURE, NATURE, NATURALTURAL RESOURCES & ENVIRONMENT RESOURCES & ENVIRONMENT WWAATER DEVELOPMENT DEPTER DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENTARTMENT
Recycling of grey waterRecycling of grey water
Irrigation at KokkinokhoriaIrrigation at Kokkinokhoria
Conservation of waterConservation of water
ALL NUMBERS IN MILLION CUBIC METRES
PUMPING &SPRINGS 139
DAMRELEASES 127
LOSSES48
SEALOSSES
70
EXCESSPUMPING
- 29
EVAPOTRANSPIRATION (86%) 2 300
ANNUAL WATER SUPPLY 2 670
BALANCE “USEABLE” 370
GROUNDWATER 135 SURFACE WATER 23545
RECHARGEDIVERSIONS
15
WWater balance for Cyprus (Area under Government control)ater balance for Cyprus (Area under Government control)
ALL NUMBERS IN MILLION CUBIC METRES
Editorial and publishing committee:
Ch. Omorphos (Telemetry Division)E. Ioannou (Telemetry Division)
Photographs:
Design Division
Cover photograph:
Irrigation at KokkinokhoriaWater balance for Cyprus (Area under Government control)Conservation of waterRecycling of grey water
Back cover photographs:
1. Dhekelia Desalination Plant2. Limassol Water Treatment Plant3. The Central Wastewater Treatment Plant at
Vathia Gonia
WELCOMING ADDRESS
The enormous importance of water for the social and economic developmentof mankind and the conservation of our natural environment necessitates themobilization of all of us, to take the necessary steps for the sustainabledevelopment of our natural resources and the raising of public awareness onthe rational use of this precious commodity of nature.
The planning, development, management, saving and preservation of thisstrategic commodity is, after our national problem, the first priority of ourgovernment policy.
The water management policy is based on the exploitation of all remainingsurface water sources, the exploitation of non-conventional sources of watersuch as recycled water for irrigation purposes and the enrichment of aquifers,the setting up of a Water Entity and the raising of awareness among the publicfor the proper use of water. The main pillar of our policy, however, is toeliminate the dependency of the potable water supplied to the large urban andtourist areas, on rainfall with the setting up of desalination plants. The problemof water rationing, which troubled consumers for decades, was finallyresolved thanks to the implementation of desalination programmes and othermeasures adopted by the Government.
The overall government policy will provide satisfactory solutions to all aspectsof water supply in Cyprus. However, it should be pointed out that waterscarcity, due to growing demands coupled with the marked decline of rainfallattributed to the known climatic changes worldwide, makes the rational use ofwater and the reduction of wastage imperative.
To the management and staff of the Water Development Department whohave contributed in any way towards the preparation of this publication, Iexpress my thanks and sincere congratulations.
Costas ThemistocleousMinister of Agriculture,
Natural Resources and Environment
November, 2002
P R E F A C E
The existence of water and life on earth are inextricably linked since withoutwater there can be no life, at least as we know it. The extended shortage ofwater, the gradual depletion of water resources as well as the exacerbation ofthe water pollution problems in many regions of our planet, constitute today,a real and serious threat to mankind.
In Cyprus, the issue is serious and demands our immediate attention. Waterin Cyprus is a commodity faced with depletion. Presently, water demand forvarious uses exceeds the amount of water available. During the past decadesthe problem has been exacerbated due to the observed prolonged periods ofreduced precipitation.
Water conservation is imperative. We have the obligation and responsibility tomake rational use of water and avoid its wastage. The more water we savetoday, the greater our chances are to have water in the future. If we wastewater today we may be faced with thirst in the future.
This issue is a small contribution to the systematic efforts undertaken by theWater Development Department to reduce water demand through theimplementation and support of water saving measures and the raising ofwater awareness among the public to make proper use of this uniquecommodity of nature.
This publication also provides information and various other statistical data onthe water use in Cyprus.
Christodoulos ArtemisDirector
Water Development Department November, 2002
INTRODUCTION
Until recently, all water resources available in
Cyprus came from rainfall. Based on a long
series of observations, the mean annual
precipitation, including snowfall, amounts to
approx. 500 millimetres, whereas during the
past thirty years (1971-2000) this amount was
reduced to 460 millimetres. The amount of
water, which corresponds to the total surface of
the Government controlled area, totals 2.670
million cubic metres (MCM) whereas only 14%
or 370 MCM is available for development since
the remaining 86% returns to the atmosphere
through evapotranspiration.
Geographically speaking, rainfall is unevenly
distributed, with maximum precipitation falling
on the two mountainous masses and minimum
precipitation observed in the eastern plain and
the coastal areas. The variation in rainfall is not
only regional but also annual and often two or
three consecutive dry years are observed.
The mean annual quantity of 370 MCM of
water is distributed between surface and
groundwater in the ratio 1,75:1 respectively.
3
ALL NUMBERS IN MILLION CUBIC METRES
Rivers diversions Pumping
Stored in dams Springs
Losses to sea
Losses to seaExcess pumping
SURFACE WATER235
GROUNDWATER135
BALANCE “USEABLE” = 370 Mm
AREA = 5 800 Km
AVERAGE ANNUAL RAINFALL = 460 mm (1971-2000)
TOTAL ANNUAL WATER SUPPLY = 2 670 Mm
86% EVAPOTRANSPIRATION = 2 300 Mm
Aquifer recharge
* Includes aquifer recharge from surface runoff
(and used)
PUMPING &SPRINGS 139
DAMRELEASES 127
LOSSES48
SEALOSSES
70
EXCESSPUMPING
- 29
EVAPOTRANSPIRATION (86%) 2 300
ANNUAL WATER SUPPLY 2 670
BALANCE “USEABLE” 370
GROUNDWATER 135 SURFACE WATER 23545
RECHARGEDIVERSIONS
15
= 139
180*
= 15
= 127
= 48 235
= 45
= 70
= - 29
2
3
3
3
WATER BALANCE FOR CYPRUS (AREA UNDER GOVERNMENT CONTROL)
WATER USE
Domestic use and irrigation are the two mainwater-consuming sectors in Cyprus. On thebasis of conclusions reached within the contextof a recent study prepared by the WaterDevelopment Department in co-operation withthe Food and Agriculture Organization of theUnited Nations (FAO), provided that all needsare satisfied, agriculture accounts for about69% of the total water consumption and thedomestic sector for 25%. The remaining 6% isused for industrial (1%) and environmentalpurposes (5%). Usually, the tourist andindustrial sectors are included in the domesticsector because the system of water distributionin urban areas is common for all uses. Theconsumption of water for tourist purposesaccounts for about 5% of the total waterconsumption.
Water for domestic purposes is mainlysupplied through the Government water worksand is sold on a bulk basis to the Nicosia,Limassol and Larnaca Water Boards, toMunicipalities and Community Councils, which,in their turn, undertake its supply to theconsumers. Nevertheless, in some casesvarious communities have their own watersupply sources, which they managethemselves.
Water for irrigation purposes is suppliedthrough the Government and non-Governmentwater works. Contrary to the supply of water fordomestic use, water for irrigation is distributedto farmers, on a retail basis, through theGovernment water works and in isolated casesis also provided on a bulk basis to irrigationdivisions. The non-Government water worksconsist of small irrigation schemes, which aremanaged and operated by irrigation divisions orassociations. Moreover, some water quantitiesfrom private boreholes are also used forirrigation purposes.
Groundwater, dams, desalination plants andrecycled water are the principal sources ofwater in Cyprus. In the decade 1920-1930 and
after the relevant research studies wereconducted, the Government started theexploitation of groundwater, which was, then,the main source of water for both domestic andirrigation purposes. By the time of declaration ofthe Cyprus Republic in 1960 thousands ofboreholes had been drilled in all areas of Cyprusand as a result the water reserves in the mainaquifers in areas like Famagusta, Morfou andAkrotiri were faced with depletion due tooverpumping.
4
Water from windmills
Old methods of pumping water
The water problem and its exacerbation over
the years, was recognized early enough by the
relevant state authorities, which, aided by
international organizations, designed a long-
term program to combat the problem effectively.
Following independence, attention was turned
to the systematic study and construction of
water development infrastructure, both for
storage and recharge purposes, which included
the construction of a great number of dams and
off-stream reservoirs so as to ensure the long-
term use and fair distribution of water on the
whole of the island.
Presently, the storage capacity of dams totals
307,5 MCM of water compared to 6 MCM in
1960. Water from dams, is used for domestic
and irrigation purposes as well as for recharge
purposes.
Despite the impressive results of the water
development policy pursued in Cyprus, because
of the increasing water demand and the
reduction in rainfall due to the climatic changes
worldwide and the impact of the green-house
effect, the quantities of water available for
domestic and irrigation purposes were not
sufficient to cover the island's needs. As a result
in the past few years water-rationing measures
had been introduced which had an adverse
impact on agriculture, social life and generally
on the economy of the island.
5
Kouris Dam
Limassol Water Treatment Plant
Central Distribution Point at Kokkinokhoria
Desalination units were set up to combat this
situation with the aim of eliminating the
dependency of the potable water supplied to the
large urban and tourist centres on rainfall. The
first desalination plant commenced operation on
1 April 1997 at Dhekelia, while in April 2001 the
second desalination plant, near the Larnaca
Airport commenced operation. The new
desalination plant near Larnaca Airport, the
largest one in Cyprus in this sector, coupled with
the Dhekelia plant produce 33 MCM of water a
year. This quantity, along with the quantity of
water in the dams, constitutes safe quantities for
lifting restrictions completely. After many years
of hardship caused by the well-known water-
rationing
measures, every household in the Government
controlled area has, since January 2001,
continuous supply of water. Water rationing
belongs to the past.
The Government's water policy is not restricted
to the issue of the desalination plants alone but
is also focused on the exploitation of other non-
conventional water sources such as recycled
water, which replaces equal quantities of good
quality water. Recycled water, which results
from the treatment of wastewater, is used for
irrigation purposes and the enrichment of
aquifers. Nevertheless, the full exploitation of
wastewater is a long and costly procedure.
6
Dhekelia Desalination Plant
The Central Wastewater Treatment Plant at Vathia Gonia
7
SUPPLY OF WATER FROM THE GOVERNMENT WATER WORKS DURING THE PERIOD 1991 - 2001
29,0 40,7
53,0
60,9 52,2
28,0 26,0
37,028,5
41,5
58,047,948,242,744,848,945,7
36,935,131,136,2
53,0
0,0
10,0
20,0
30,0
40,0
50,0
60,0
70,0
80,0
90,0
100,0
110,0
120,0
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
YEAR
MIL
LIO
N C
UB
IC M
ETR
ES O
F W
ATE
R
Domestic Irrigation
[65,2][71,8]
[88,1]
[106,6][101,1]
[68,7]
[85,2]
[76,4]
[99,5]
[72,8]
[89,9]
GOVERNMENT WATER WORKS - DOMESTIC SUPPLY SOURCES DURING THE PERIOD 1991 - 2001
23,620,312,3 14,0 16,8 21,1
29,0 30,020,3
16,6 18,0
18,9
19,1
15,216,3 14,0
12,6
17,1
15,818,323,9
16,7
5,4
10,9
13,9 13,6
21,8
0,0
10,0
20,0
30,0
40,0
50,0
60,0
70,0
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
YEAR
MIL
LIO
N C
UB
IC M
ETR
ES O
F W
ATE
R
Treatment Plants Boreholes Desalination Plants
[36,2][31,1]
[35,1] [36,9]
[45,7][48,9]
[44,8][42,7]
[48,2] [47,9]
[58,0]
STATISTICS
8
GOVERNMENT WATER WORKS - IRRIGATION SUPPLY SOURCES DURING THE PERIOD 1991 - 2001
26,9
11,41,3
3,2
21,422,7
13,219,0
38,7
49,942,041,7
16,0
31,0
5,8
13,2
11,59,0
13,5
11,0
11,011,3
9,7
13,0
1,1
1,3
0,0
10,0
20,0
30,0
40,0
50,0
60,0
70,0
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
YEAR
MIL
LIO
N C
UBIC
MET
RES
OF
WA
TER
Dams Boreholes Recycled Water
[29.0]
[40,7]
[53,0] [53,0]
[60,9]
[52,2]
[28,0] [26,0]
[37,0]
[28,5]
[41,5]
GOVERNMENT WATER WORKS INFLOW OF WATER TO THE DAMS 1987 - 2002
198
129
35
12
143
127
53
103
3225 26
63
34
61
168
0
50
100
150
200
250
1987
-88
1988
-89
1989
-90
1990
-91
1991
-92
1992
-93
1993
-94
1994
-95
1995
-96
1996
-97
1997
-98
1998
-99
1999
-00
2000
-01
2001
-02
HYDROLOGICAL YEAR ( 1 October - 30 September )
MIL
LIO
N C
UB
IC M
ETR
ES O
F W
ATE
R
Average 81 MCM
9
CYPRUS' ANNUAL PRECIPITATION AND AVERAGE 1901/1970-1971/2002(AREA UNDER GOVERNMENT CONTROL)
292
468
537
722
529
677
498
500
593
551
667
535
649
543
411
373
472
590
697
572
546
627
549
460
732
506
434
648
739
651
284
341
401
687
530 56
657
564
355
137
059
7 639
514
617
531
529 56
153
0 560
400
617
664
543
545
547
415
506
399
406
469
656
636
309
532
519
694
499
800
398
498
408
213
389
619
563
471
549
439
582
574
425 437 448
498
438
520
625
481
363
282
637
509
417
493
383 39
938
847
336
346
860
2
0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
90019
01/0
2
1911
/12
1921
/22
1931
/32
1941
/42
1951
/52
1961
/62
1971
/72
1981
/82
1991
/92
2001
/02
HYDROLOGICAL YEAR 1901/02-2001/02}
PREC
IPIT
ATI
ON
IN m
m
ÕÐÏÌÍÇÌÁ: Annual Precipitation
Drought Year
Average 1901-70 541mm 1971-02 466mm
GOVERNMENT WATER WORKS WATER DEMAND AND SUPPLY BALANCE 1996 - 2001
132,5 134,1 136,4 137,7 138,8 137,1
101,1
72,868,7
85,2
76,4
99,5
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
140
160
1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001Year
MIL
LIO
N C
UB
IC M
ETR
ES O
F W
ATE
R
Demand Supply
WATER CONSERVATION
The prolonged periods of drought and reduced
rainfall that are often observed lead to a
dramatic reduction of the island's available
water reserves and create problems in all areas
of economic activity.
We must all become aware of the fact that
water, this fundamental element of life, is scarce
not only in Cyprus but in many other countries
as well and it is the obligation and responsibility
of us all to pursue its efficient management and
undertake all necessary measures to save it.
The potential for water conservation is great.
The public is encouraged to observe the
following recommendations to ensure the best
possible use of every drop of water available.
10
Effects of drought
11
WATER-SAVING RECOMMENDATIONS TO CONSUMERS
1. Repair any defective plumbing installations, taps, toilet cisterns etc. immediately.
2. Check the water meter regularly to identify early any leaks.
3. Regulate the toilet cisterns or place a plastic bottle full of sand in them to ensure the use of the least possible amount of water.
4. Install devices in new buildings, lavatories etc. which use lesser amounts of water.
5. Take a shower instead of filling the bath tub and do not leave the tap running whilst washing.
6. Do not allow children to play by wasting water.
7. Do not let the water run whilst brushing your teeth or whilst shaving.
8. Do not leave the tap running whilst washing the dishes.
9. Wash fruit in a bowl and use the same water to water the flowers.
10. Operate the washing machine and dishwasher only when they are full.
11. Clean the verandas, yards, pavements and other exterior areas with the mop and avoid using a lot of water.
12. Wash your car with a sponge and a bucket of water and don't use a hose.
12
36%
23%
41%
Toilet28%
Bath21%
Washbasins8%
Car washing and
outdoor cleaning
9%
Washing machine7%
Gardenirrigation
14%
Kitchen13%
Average consumption of water in a household
WATER-SAVING RECOMMENDATIONS TO FARMERS
1. Install efficient irrigation systems for your crops.
2. Water your crops early in the morning or late in the afternoon and wherever possible during the night when there are no strong winds blowing.
3. Store the rainwater falling on the roofs of your green houses in earth filled reservoirs with plastic lining and use this water as a supplement for your irrigation needs.
4. Destroy the weeds in your crops early.
5. Take all appropriate measures to avoid leaks in pipes and irrigation systems.
6. Plant less water intensive crops.
The subsidy for boreholes is granted to make
use of their water for the irrigation of gardens in
plots connected to the municipal water supply
systems, and which in turn the Water Boards or
the Government Water Works supply with water.
The subsidy applies to new boreholes and is
granted to all applicants who meet the following
requirements:
1. Obtain a borehole license from the District
Officer (all those interested may obtain the
relevant application forms at the District
Office).
2. The place where the borehole is to be drilled
must first be inspected by the Water
Development Department. (The inspection
is carried out after the submission of the
application to the District Office and before
drilling the borehole).
3. The borehole must be drilled by a person
with a license. (Applicants may be furnished
with a list of licensees at the Head or District
Offices of the Water Development
Department).
The subsidy amounts to CY£100 and is
granted after the borehole has been drilled and
upon filling in the relevant form.
13
The government implements an efficient and practical policy of subsidies for water-saving purposes.
SUBSIDY FOR BOREHOLES
Drilling rig
GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIES
The purpose of the installation of the aforesaidsystem is the treatment of grey water and itsreuse in lavatories and for the irrigation ofgardens of houses where grey water isproduced. Grey water is the water from baths,showers, washbasins, washing machines andfrom the washing of fruit and vegetables. Morethan 33% of water is saved through therecycling of grey water. Thus, the amount ofpotable water saved by every three personscovers the water needs of a fourth one.
The above subsidy covers the installation ofthe system of recycling of grey waters inhouses, schools, playgrounds, institutions,swimming pools, gyms, hotels, industrial unitsetc., which are connected to the municipal andcommunal water supply systems in Cyprus.
The subsidy is granted upon fulfilment of thefollowing conditions:
1. All those interested must first file anapplication with the Director of the WaterDevelopment Department before any workis carried out for installation of the system(the relevant application form may beobtained at the Head or District Offices ofthe Department).
2. The sewage system of the building must firstbe inspected by the officers of the WaterDevelopment Department who will give thenecessary technical advice for theinstallation of the recycling system (theinspection is carried out after submission ofthe application and prior to installation of thesystem).
3. Installation of the recycling system (upon anapproval obtained by the WaterDevelopment Department).
4. The subsidy is granted after the system hasbeen installed and inspected by the officersof the Water Development Department (whomust be notified by the applicants to thiseffect). The officers must make sure that theinstallation has been carried out inaccordance with the directions of theDepartment.
The subsidy granted to every house amountsto CY£200 whereas for all other buildings thesubsidy covers 20% of the cost including theinstallation of the system.
14
SUBSIDY FOR THE INSTALLATION OF A SYSTEM FOR THE RECYCLING OFGREY WATER
RECYCLING OF GREY WATER
Pipe forGrey Water
Grey WaterTreatment
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Recycling of grey water
This subsidy covers the connection of
boreholes with the lavatories of houses,
schools, office premises, shops, institutions etc.,
which are connected to the municipal and
communal water supply systems in Cyprus.
The purpose of such a connection is to savethe potable water (up to 28%) used in lavatories.
The subsidy refers to new connections of
boreholes with lavatories and is granted upon
fulfilment of the following conditions:
1. The applicant must file an application with
the Director of the Water Development
Department prior to the commencement of
any connection works (all those interested
may be provided with an application form at
the Head or District Offices of the Water
Development Department).
2. The existing borehole must first be
inspected by the officers of the Water
Development Department who must also
give the technical advice necessary for the
method of connection of the borehole with
the system (the inspection is carried out
after submission of the application and prior
to the installation).
3. The borehole is then connected with the
lavatories (the connection is subject to
approval by the Water Development
Department).
4. The subsidy is granted after installation of
the connection and after its inspection by the
officers of the Water Development
Department (who must be notified by the
applicants to this effect). The officers must
make sure that the connection has been
carried out in accordance with the
Department's instructions.
The subsidy for every house/office
premises/shops, institutions etc. amounts to:
a. CY£100 where the borehole is connected
with one or two houses/offices/shops.
b. CY£80 where the borehole is connected
with three and up to five houses/
offices/shops.
c. CY£70 where the borehole is connected
with more than five houses/offices/shops.
d. CY£30 for every point of water supply
installed at institutions, schools etc.
15
SUBSIDY FOR THE CONNECTION OF BOREHOLES WITH LAVATORIES
Bore
hole
Connection of boreholes with lavatories
16
WWAATER IS SCARCE, SATER IS SCARCE, SAVE ITVE IT
USE EFFICIENT IRRIGAUSE EFFICIENT IRRIGATION SYSTEMS FORTION SYSTEMS FORTHE PROPER USE OF WTHE PROPER USE OF WAATERTER
The more water we save today, the greater our chances are to have water in the future.
If we waste water today we may be faced with thirst in the future.