Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus’ water development department warned on Monday of a temporary reduction in water supply in Nicosia, Larnaca and Famagusta following a technical fault at the Larnaca desalination plant. The issue occurred over the weekend and reduced the quantities of drinking water delivered to municipalities.
Repair work and alternative supply
The department said efforts were under way to restore the unit and that full reintegration into the system was expected within the day. Until repairs are completed, supply to affected areas is being covered through the Tersefanou and Kornos water treatment plants, as well as the Dhekelia desalination unit.
Separate issue at Vasiliko resolved
Authorities said a separate technical issue at the Vasiliko desalination plant was resolved immediately following coordinated action with the electricity authority.
Storage levels and reserve capacity
Despite the disruption, authorities said households have so far avoided shortages due to increased storage capacity. Total available reserves currently stand at 87,750 cubic metres for Nicosia, 22,000 cubic metres for Larnaca, and 15,000 cubic metres for Paralimni and Ayia Napa.
In Nicosia, the recently inaugurated Klio and Erato reservoirs, with a combined capacity of 17,200 cubic metres, can cover demand for more than 36 hours in the event of a complete outage. In Larnaca, new facilities in Klavdia have doubled storage capacity, with a 12,000-cubic-metre tank ensuring uninterrupted supply for up to 48 hours during winter.
Call for restraint
The water development department urged consumers and water supply authorities to demonstrate responsible use and limit consumption to what is absolutely necessary until the system is fully restored.
Have you limited your water use to what is absolutely necessary while repairs are completed?