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Tag: desalination

  • Cyprus Aims for Water Self-Reliance by 2028 with New Desalination Units

    Cyprus Aims for Water Self-Reliance by 2028 with New Desalination Units

    Cyprus aims to achieve 100 per cent water self-reliance by 2028 through the installation of two permanent desalination units, as announced by President Nikos Christodoulides.

    • Cyprus aims to achieve 100 per cent water self-reliance by 2028 through the installation of two permanent desalination units, as announced by President Nikos Christodoulides.
    • This remark elicited a strong rebuttal from Andreas Gregoriou, the permanent secretary of the agriculture ministry, who asserted that Cyprus has “not been left without water.”

    During the inauguration of a new water reservoir in Larnaca, President Christodoulides emphasised the critical need for effective management of water resources. He stated, “The effective treatment of water scarcity and the rational management of water resources are of utmost importance and a strategic priority for the government.”

    The President pointed to concerning climate trends, noting that regional temperatures are rising at a rate potentially double that of other parts of the world. He cited a decrease of approximately 10 to 15 per cent in average annual rainfall since the mid-1990s.

    In a proactive response to these challenges, the government has decided on the establishment of three additional desalination units, with completion expected by summer 2026. These units are projected to increase the volume of water sourced from desalination facilities by 32 per cent.

    Plans are also in place to initiate studies for the implementation of two permanent desalination units powered by renewable energy by the end of 2025. Christodoulides articulated a goal to boost Cyprus’ self-sufficiency in water supply from the current 70 per cent to a full 100 per cent by 2028.

    Further emphasising the significance of infrastructure development, he mentioned the construction of additional tanks and reservoirs, similar to those recently established in Larnaca, which are deemed strategically important for the entire island.

    Christodoulides highlighted that Cyprus’s geographical position makes it particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, underscoring the necessity for building water resilience in anticipation of extended and more frequent droughts.

    Projects in areas such as Polis Chrysochous and Kokkinokremmos were also referenced, illustrating their critical roles in enhancing and safeguarding the island’s water supply. Looking ahead, a total of 31 water-related projects are scheduled for completion by 2026.

    Currently, Cyprus’s dams are operating at only 11 per cent capacity, a situation that has drawn sharp criticism regarding the government’s water management strategies. In a recent heated discussion at the House agriculture committee, Disy MP Kyriacos Hadjiyianni expressed dissatisfaction with the administration’s actions, branding it a “disability government.”

    This remark elicited a strong rebuttal from Andreas Gregoriou, the permanent secretary of the agriculture ministry, who asserted that Cyprus has “not been left without water.”

  • Cloud Seeding Considered as Cyprus Faces Water Crisis

    Cloud Seeding Considered as Cyprus Faces Water Crisis

    Cloud seeding is being examined as a potential solution to alleviate water scarcity in Cyprus, which is bracing for a fourth consecutive winter of drought. The agriculture ministry has acknowledged the dire situation, with the island’s dams currently holding only 11 per cent of their capacity, raising urgent concerns about the future of water supply.

    Photo: cyprus-mail.com

    Urgent Call for Action

    Kleanthis Nicolaides, the former head of the meteorology department, has been vocal in advocating for cloud seeding as an alternative to manage the escalating water crisis. He has highlighted the alarming lack of rainfall this October, which has left the dams critically low and prompted discussions about the potential of weather modification technologies.

    Photo: cyprus-mail.com

    Assessing the Current Drought Situation

    The gravity of the drought was underscored by Nicolaides, who suggested that official figures may misrepresent the true condition of the reservoirs, stating that sediment accumulation in the dams is likely leading to inaccurate capacity measurements. “The situation is worse than what the official data shows,” he remarked, reinforcing the need for immediate action.

    Exploring Cloud Seeding

    Cloud seeding involves dispersing substances into the atmosphere that can act as cloud condensation or ice nuclei. Common agents include silver iodide and potassium iodide, with hygroscopic materials like table salt gaining attention for their moisture-attracting properties. While the technology has shown promise, its effectiveness remains a topic of debate.

    Nicolaides acknowledged that while cloud seeding is not a silver bullet, it warrants exploration given the severe circumstances. “In these desperate times, the government should explore the option,” he stated. He also described the operational aspects of cloud seeding, which may require aircraft equipped with specialized equipment to disperse the substances effectively.

    Potential Costs and Agricultural Impact

    The agricultural sector is already feeling the pressure, with the Water Development Department advising farmers to refrain from planting seasonal crops. This has resulted in reduced availability of staple items like lettuce and potatoes, leading to anticipated price increases. “Lack of water means agricultural products will go up in price,” Nicolaides warned, highlighting the broader economic implications of water scarcity.

    Historical Context of Cloud Seeding in Cyprus

    Reflecting on past efforts, Nicolaides recalled that Cyprus had previously experimented with cloud seeding during a drought in the early 1970s. However, the results of those initiatives were never fully assessed due to the outbreak of war in 1974. “This was done over a period of a couple of years, but the results were never properly evaluated,” he noted.

    Government Considerations

    The government has been exploring the feasibility of cloud seeding, with the meteorology department confirming that it is closely monitoring international developments in weather modification technologies. Philippos Tymvios, the current director of the meteorology department, stated that proposals for cloud seeding have been submitted by at least two private companies. “All proposals are being reviewed carefully, with the guidance of independent scientific experts,” he added.

    While there is no operational cloud seeding programme currently in place, Tymvios indicated that the government is considering all scientifically credible options to address the long-term water scarcity affecting Cyprus. “Any future initiative would be based on robust scientific evidence and full alignment with public interest safeguards,” he assured.

    Challenges and Future Directions

    Despite the interest in cloud seeding, there are significant challenges to its implementation. A study by the United States National Academy of Sciences has cast doubt on the effectiveness of cloud seeding, failing to find statistically significant evidence to support its impact on precipitation. Similarly, a 2010 study from Tel Aviv University indicated that traditional cloud seeding materials may have little effect on rainfall amounts.

    As the debate continues, Nicolaides emphasised the need for a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis to evaluate potential methods for enhancing rainfall. He noted that with the dams nearly empty, Cyprus increasingly relies on desalination and boreholes for its water supply, which further complicates the issue. “Desalination is no fix-all,” he cautioned, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

    Looking Ahead

    With Cyprus facing a critical juncture in its water management strategy, the exploration of cloud seeding and other innovative solutions will be essential in tackling the ongoing drought. As the government weighs its options, the experiences of other countries that have successfully implemented weather modification technologies may provide valuable insights. The path forward will require careful consideration, transparency, and collaboration with scientific experts to ensure any initiatives align with the public’s best interests.

  • Cyprus Water Management at Breaking Point After Years of Neglect

    Cyprus Water Management at Breaking Point After Years of Neglect

    Water management: Long-Standing Issues Persist

    Cyprus’s water management is at breaking point, with many problems highlighted in a 2016 audit remaining unresolved nearly a decade later. A recent report from the Audit Office has raised alarms about the delays and inadequacies that threaten the sustainable use of the island’s water resources. As climate change intensifies and water scarcity becomes a pressing issue, the findings underscore the urgent need for reform.

    • Concerns also arise from the absence of marker buoys for underwater pipes used for brine discharge or water transport, which poses risks for passing vessels and coastal activities.

    Audit Findings Raise Serious Concerns

    The follow-up audit conducted by the Water Development Department uncovered various issues with the management of water resources. Auditor General Andreas Papaconstantinou emphasised that the situation is critical, noting, “the prolonged period of drought our country is experiencing provides an opportunity for the best possible preparation and taking of measures, for example maintenance of dams.”

    The report pointed to administrative weaknesses, project delays, dam safety challenges, significant water loss, poor aquifer conditions, and inadequacies in water quality management as ongoing failures that require immediate attention.

    Stalled Water Projects and Financial Oversight

    Out of 60 planned water projects outlined in the 15-year Water Development Plan (2016-2030), only 14 have been completed. With €767 million allocated from the state budget, the lack of adequate monitoring raises questions about the sufficiency of funding and whether additional resources are needed. The delayed submission of the River Basin Management Plan and Flood Risk Management Plan to the European Commission has also led to a reasoned opinion for violating European legislation.

    Ageing Dams and Safety Risks

    Cyprus operates 104 large dams, 56 of which are registered with the International Commission on Large Dams (ICOLD). Many of these facilities are ageing and lack comprehensive maintenance plans and safety certificates. Alarmingly, there has been no independent inspection of large dams, and not a single final certificate has been issued for private dams. Most dams have exceeded their designed lifespan without ensuring compliance with reservoir safety regulations.

    The audit highlights the absence of operation and maintenance manuals for all dams and the failure to conduct timely inspections by independent engineers. It also stresses the importance of preparing inundation maps in case of dam failure, particularly for those near populated areas such as Kouris Dam. In January 2025, a leak at Mavrokolymbos Dam, caused by pipe failure, exposed critical issues regarding accessibility and preventative maintenance.

    Environmental Concerns from Desalination Plants

    Desalination plants have been pivotal in meeting Cyprus’s water supply needs, but the report raises serious concerns about their environmental impact and the economic burden on consumers. The brine produced by these plants is discharged into the sea, affecting marine vegetation near discharge points at the Larnaca and Dhekelia plants. As of the audit date, only two plants had secured necessary waste discharge permits.

    Additionally, the corrosive properties of desalinated water have led to significant issues for pipework and household installations, including water heaters. The report suggests interventions such as enriching desalinated water with calcium or carbon dioxide to alleviate these problems.

    Concerns also arise from the absence of marker buoys for underwater pipes used for brine discharge or water transport, which poses risks for passing vessels and coastal activities.

    Critical State of Aquifers

    Cyprus’s aquifers are in critical condition, with approximately 64% classified as chemically compromised. The primary causes include nitrate pollution, salinisation, and inadequate controls, making it challenging to estimate available water quantities and undermining effective planning.

    Widespread Water Loss

    Water loss remains a significant issue, with unaccounted-for water rates in Local Water Boards reaching or exceeding 29%. Total water losses across Cyprus are estimated to exceed 200 million cubic metres annually, largely due to ageing infrastructure. Most Local Water Boards do not conduct systematic monitoring of drinking water quality, and only 26% of boreholes have designated Protection Zones.

    Need for Stronger Institutional Framework

    The Advisory Committee for Water Management meets infrequently, only once or twice a year, and has not provided substantial guidance to Local Water Boards despite suggestions for a more active role since 2016. The Audit Office calls for strengthening the institutional framework through clear strategic planning, effective resource allocation, and better coordination among authorities.

  • Daily Reprocessing of Desalinated Water Due to Pipeline Shortages

    Daily Reprocessing of Desalinated Water Due to Pipeline Shortages

    Every day, 60,000 cubic metres of desalinated water are re-processed instead of reaching the general water supply, according to Akis Kikas from the Audit Office. This revelation was shared during a meeting with MPs on Thursday, highlighting significant inefficiencies in Cyprus’s water management.

    At the facilities of the Electricity Authority of Cyprus in Vasiliko, the desalination process generates a substantial amount of water. However, due to inadequate pipeline infrastructure, this water is diverted to the southern conveyor, the island’s largest water development initiative.

    The southern conveyor is designed to collect excess water from the southwest of Cyprus, transferring it to regions in need for irrigation and domestic use. Unfortunately, this diversion leads to the desalinated water mixing with dirt, necessitating further cleaning at a refinery in Tersefanou. As a result, consumers end up paying twice for the same water.

    Kikas noted that this has been an ongoing practice for the past decade, although he clarified that only a small percentage of the total desalinated water is affected by the pipeline issues. The Audit Office is currently preparing a report on the management of the island’s water resources, with publication expected by the end of the month.

    During the same meeting, Kikas raised concerns about 15 privately-owned dams that fail to meet legal safety standards. Among the most hazardous are the dams at Tamasos, Yermasoyia, and Polemidia. The House audit committee gathered to address the maintenance of these dams, with MPs expressing alarm over the shortage of qualified engineers available for necessary repairs.

    Adding to the urgency of the situation, parliamentarians pointed out the critically low water levels in the dams amid ongoing drought conditions. The Kouris dam, the largest on the island, is currently at just 12 per cent of its capacity, while Asprokremmos and Evretou dams sit at 11.5 per cent and 14 per cent, respectively.

  • Paphos water: Paphos District to Ensure Stable Water Supply Throughout 2024

    Paphos water: Paphos District to Ensure Stable Water Supply Throughout 2024

    paphos water — paphos water — Paphos will enjoy a stable water supply next year, with assurances from the agriculture ministry that there will be no disruptions, even in adverse weather conditions. Andreas Gregoriou, the undersecretary of the agriculture ministry, made this statement during the harvest festival in Panayia, reinforcing the government’s commitment to addressing water supply challenges in the region.

    Paphos water: Ministry’s Commitment to Water Security

    Gregoriou stated, “We are in the final stage. It seems that we will manage to avoid any cuts, even though we are at the beginning of the new hydrological year, because we have expectations that we will have more rain than the previous dry year.” This outlook is bolstered by the ongoing development of new desalination units, which are expected to enhance the district’s water supply significantly.

    Desalination Units Under Construction

    According to Gregoriou, the construction of desalination units will eliminate any concerns regarding water supply in Paphos, regardless of weather fluctuations. He confidently remarked, “Therefore, Paphos’ water problem can be considered solved for 2026 as well.” This statement indicates a proactive approach to managing potential water shortages that have historically affected the area.

    Local Officials Weigh In

    Charalambos Pittokopitis, the governor of the Paphos district, also addressed the festival attendees, highlighting the resilience of the district’s water supply system. He noted that the supply has been maintained under “very difficult conditions,” indicating the challenges faced in recent years due to weather patterns and increased demand.

    Mobile Desalination Units to Boost Supply

    One key development is the installation of a mobile desalination unit near Potima beach in Kissonerga, which is projected to produce approximately 12,000 cubic metres of water. This unit, along with the return of a previously damaged desalination facility in Kouklia, will play a crucial role in ensuring that Paphos does not encounter water supply issues in the near future.

    Pittokopitis expressed confidence in the district’s water supply, stating, “I can state with certainty that the water issue regarding drinking water in both the town and in the district of Paphos has been resolved.” This statement serves to reassure residents and stakeholders about the reliability of their water resources.

    Recent Developments in Water Infrastructure

    In addition to the new mobile desalination unit, the water development department’s district engineer, Charis Kasioulis, confirmed that studies to repair the Mavrokolympos reservoir, which was drained in January, are complete. He stated that work to fix the corroded vent will be finished before the winter season, allowing the reservoir to reopen and contribute to the water supply.

    New Mobile Units from the UAE

    The recent arrival of 12 mobile desalination units from the United Arab Emirates marks a significant step forward in addressing water scarcity in Cyprus. The first of these units entered service in July, with George Kazantzis, the acting director of the water development department, describing the installation process as “extremely complex.” These units are designed to support the broader water supply network across the island.

    Excess water produced by these units will be redirected to other districts currently facing supply challenges, ensuring a balanced distribution of water resources across the region. This cooperative approach is crucial in mitigating the effects of prolonged droughts.

    Government’s Proactive Measures

    The Cypriot government has taken proactive measures to prevent future water shortages, with President Nikos Christodoulides announcing the new desalination units in April. Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis assured the public that there would be “no risk” of water cuts during the summer months due to the imminent arrival of additional desalination units.

    Christodoulides emphasised that the units would be provided “free of charge,” which he described as a testament to the strength of international relations and the importance of sound internal policy regarding water management.

    Looking Ahead

    As Paphos prepares for the coming year, the combination of new desalination units, improved infrastructure, and a commitment to sustainable water management suggests a promising future for the district’s water supply. Residents can look forward to a year without the worry of water cuts, thanks to the concerted efforts of local officials and the agriculture ministry.

  • Kouklia desalination — Kouklia Desalination Plant Set to Resume Operations in September

    Kouklia desalination — Kouklia Desalination Plant Set to Resume Operations in September

    The Kouklia desalination plant, which was devastated by a fire last December, is anticipated to resume operations by September 20, according to Paphos district governor Charalambos Pittokopitis.

    • The Kouklia desalination plant, which was devastated by a fire last December, is anticipated to resume operations by September 20, according to Paphos district governor Charalambos Pittokopitis.

    In June, permanent secretary of the agriculture ministry, Andreas Gregoriou, had optimistically projected that the plant would be operational by August. However, recent updates indicate a slight delay, with operations now expected to begin later in September.

    Kouklia desalination: Impact of Drought on Water Supply

    Pittokopitis highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by a prolonged drought and the destruction of the Kouklia plant. These issues have made it difficult to ensure a steady water supply for residents of Paphos and the surrounding district. “The prolonged drought of the past years and the destruction of Paphos’ desalination plant in Kouklia last December continue to create quite a few difficulties in our efforts to secure the continuous supply of water to consumers in the city and district of Paphos,” he stated.

    Additional Desalination Efforts

    As part of the broader strategy to tackle water shortages, the Potima desalination plant is also set to begin operations in September. This facility has the capacity to produce 5,000 cubic metres of water per day, with plans to double its output in October. Pittokopitis noted that Paphos has already begun receiving water from a mobile unit installed at Potima, providing 1,000 cubic metres daily. A second mobile unit is expected to be operational shortly.

    Future Water Supply Projections

    By October, the water supply from the Kouklia desalination plant is projected to reach 15,000 cubic metres daily, supplemented by an additional 12,000 cubic metres from Potima’s larger unit and two smaller units. Currently, the Asprokremmos water distillation plant serves as the main water source for lower Paphos, with a capacity of 30,000 cubic metres per day. However, this figure is set to decrease to 15,000 cubic metres in October as reserves at the Asprokremmos dam dwindle to approximately 8 million cubic metres.

    Community Awareness and Conservation

    Pittokopitis expressed cautious optimism regarding the water situation but emphasised the need for responsible usage. He urged residents to be mindful of their water consumption, stating, “We must all be very careful and frugal when it comes to using water, because even the last drop is useful.” The assurances from the water development department suggest that current reserves should suffice until the desalination units are fully operational and the winter rains arrive.

    The combination of the Kouklia and Potima plants is a crucial step in alleviating the water supply crisis in Paphos, as officials and residents alike anticipate a return to normalcy in water availability as the summer months draw to a close.