Nicosia: Actions are being implemented to achieve targets across all pillars concerning the water balance to ensure a secure position for the summer and avoid water cuts, Eliana Tofa, Director of the Water Development Department (WDD), told CNA on Monday.
According to Cyprus News Agency, a 10% reduction in water demand is a key target that all stakeholders are working towards, Tofa said, adding that the distribution of water-saving nozzles for installation on taps and showers at properties is also being planned.
Asked by CNA about water sufficiency for the summer and the government's target of reducing water consumption by 10%, Tofa said this forms part of a strategic approach to reducing water losses in networks and curbing wasteful or excessive use by consumers.
She noted that both the WDD and the District Self-Government Organisations are working towards achieving the 10% demand reduction target. According to Tofa, this effort will also be supported by the installation of nozzles which, she said, will be distributed free of charge to all properties - four for taps and two for shower heads - in the near future. These are expected to reduce water consumption from the respective outlets by between 30% and 50%, she said.
Therefore, she added, if a property installs all six devices, it is expected to see a significant reduction in its water bill over time. This contributes in two ways: 'firstly, reducing water use, which is our strategic goal, and secondly, providing financial savings for the consumer,' she said.
Asked whether water cuts would be imposed, Tofa said this was 'a last resort, which we have been working over the past two years to avoid,' noting that a number of measures have been taken to strengthen the water balance, particularly by increasing supply through desalination.
She pointed out that a desalination unit at Limassol port has recently come into operation, while earlier units were launched in Kissonerga and Moni. In the coming period, the mobile unit at Garyllis is expected to contribute to the system, followed later this year by facilities in Episkopi and Vasilikos, the WDD Director noted.
'This means that the supply pillar of our water balance, regardless of rainfall - which has been positive and welcome - has been strengthened through specific projects,' Tofa said.
On the demand side, she reiterated that the main objective is a 10% reduction. 'If these two aspects are balanced - meaning our projects are implemented and the consumption reduction target is achieved - then we will not proceed with any water cuts for consumers,' she said.
Tofa said the WDD is in close technical contact with the five District Local Government Organisations to reduce demand within their networks, whether through replacing ageing infrastructure or regulating water pressure to minimise losses.
'It is therefore a combined approach across all pillars that make up our water balance. We want targets to be achieved in each pillar so that we are in a safe position for the summer and avoid water cuts,' she added.
She noted that recent rainfall has provided significant support, 'but it is not enough, as we must manage water wisely for the years ahead'.
Asked about consumers' role, Tofa, referring to climate change, said that adaptability and resilience 'are not only about water and how we manage it, but also about us'.
'We must adapt to the new conditions and change the way we use water,' she said.