Nicosia, Cyprus. The Nicosia district government (EOA) proposed targeted measures to curb water overconsumption and reduce losses in the water supply network, while expressing reservations about a horizontal 10 per cent water supply cut.
Concerns over intermittent water supply cuts
EOA said it is closely monitoring discussions around proposed cuts and cited experience from 2008 to 2010, when such measures were inconvenient for citizens and were often followed by an increase in unbilled water of 7-10 percentage points once normal flow resumed, limiting expected benefits.
Unbilled water levels and network strain
EOA said unbilled water in the Nicosia district is approximately 20 per cent and estimated that intermittent water supply could increase this percentage further after normal flow is restored due to additional strain on networks.
Proposed alternatives: pricing, awareness and investment
EOA suggested a pricing policy targeting overconsumption, raising public awareness, and systematic investment to reduce network losses as ways to achieve substantial water savings.
Operational impact and technology effectiveness
EOA said intermittent supply increases operational demands, requiring more frequent network operations and reinforcement of human resources, while potentially undermining investments in modern technologies such as systems for detecting hidden leaks that require continuous water flow.
How do you think authorities should balance water savings with maintaining continuous water supply?
