Polis Chrysochous, Cyprus. The water situation in Polis Chrysochous is critical but manageable, Paphos district governor Charalambos Pittokopitis said on Wednesday. He said current data is challenging, following a meeting with key officials on water supply and irrigation strategies.
Irrigation decisions expected in April
Pittokopitis said existing and planned measures could potentially address the situation. He said final decisions on irrigation will be taken in April, after reviewing all dam water reserve data, with the aim of optimising services for producers.
Desalination plant planned as boreholes become less reliable
On water supply, Pittokopitis underlined a political commitment to establish a desalination plant in Polis Chrysochous. He said the area currently relies exclusively on boreholes, which are becoming increasingly unreliable due to climate change and prolonged drought.
He said studies are underway to identify suitable locations and described the desalination project as urgent. A plant could begin operating by summer 2027, he said, while water management in the meantime will depend on existing resources.
Water treatment projects for tourist areas under way
The Water Development Department is moving ahead with plans for a water treatment plant in Neo Chorio to serve the tourist areas of Prodromi and Neo Chorio. A second unit is also under consideration for the Argaka and Pomos area.
Additional boreholes and loss-reduction measures examined
Authorities are examining the creation of additional boreholes and measures to reduce water losses, aimed at securing adequate supplies for households, tourism and agriculture.
How do you think water supply priorities should be balanced between households, tourism and agriculture in Polis Chrysochous?