The prolonged heatwave and high temperatures on the island call for increased demand for water and the Water Development Department is urging the public to use water wisely.

Efi Attikouri, Senior Executive Engineer, Head of the Water Supply Service of the Water Department, told the Cyprus News Agency that this year there have been significant increases in the demand for water compared to the corresponding period last year.

She said that there are increased demands in tourist areas due to the surge in tourist flows, but also in other areas with increased urban development.

Attikouri said that in relation to the pre-pandemic levels, the Department is giving away increased amounts of water by 10% throughout Cyprus.

She explained that because of this increase, the central drainage systems of water supply are operating at a marginal level and due to the prolonged heat, in some cases there are shortages. But she assured that the Department takes all necessary actions for the proper management of the available water and the fullest possible coverage of the demand.

Attikouri said that the public is called upon to reduce consumption to the minimum possible. She said that Cyprus is affected by frequent and prolonged droughts and the need to conserve water is always there and not only during heatwave periods.

There are simple guidelines for the public of how to save water as posted on the Department’s website and these include regular checks of the plumbing at home in order to look out for leakage, immediate fix of dripping taps, use of new water-saving systems, use of buckets to wash the car, use of watering cans instead of hose etc. The public is asked to contact the relevant authorities for any leakage and loss of water on the roads.