RECYCLING OF GREY WATER

Pipe forGrey Water

Grey WaterTreatment

Plant

Pipe

for r

ecyc

led

wat

er

Pipe

for d

rinki

ng w

ater

Garden

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

Plant

Pipe

for r

ecyc

led

wat

er

Pipe

for d

rinki

ng w

ater

Garden

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.

P.I.O. 211/2002-2.000Published by the Press and Information Office for the Water Development DepartmentPrinted by: Zavalis Litho Ltd

1

2

3