Larnaca, Cyprus. Larnaca municipality approved a package of emergency water-saving measures aimed at reducing demand by 10% following an extraordinary meeting of the district’s board of directors. The measures are intended to prevent water cuts and ensure reserves meet demand during peak summer consumption.
Approval and objectives
The measures were approved on Thursday by Larnaca municipality after an extraordinary meeting of the district’s board of directors. Authorities said the plan is designed to ensure available water reserves are sufficient to meet demand, particularly during the summer months.
Network repairs and loss reduction
In a statement, the Larnaca water authority said that since assuming responsibility for the networks on July 1, 2024, it has achieved a significant reduction in water losses through organised and systematic efforts. Central to the new plan is an intensified programme to repair damage across the water supply network, including the immediate fixing of leaks.
Demand management and supply reinforcement
Water supply will be cut to green areas and private plots where water is used for irrigation purposes. Boreholes will also be incorporated into the network where technically feasible to supplement available resources.
Household devices and enforcement measures
Consumers will be offered water efficient nozzles for installation on taps, in cooperation with the water development department (WDD), with officials estimating the devices can reduce household consumption by up to 40 per cent. Controls against the use of water with a hose will be intensified under special measures covered in the water saving law, with authorised teams from the municipal water authority and police carrying out organised inspections across the district, focusing on the washing of pavements, terraces, and cars.
Public awareness
Authorities said they also plan to strengthen public awareness campaigns on rational water use, including guidance on proper practices.
How will the new measures affect your daily water use in Larnaca district?