At present, there are no plans to impose water supply cuts for hotel units or industrial facilities, either in the Limassol district or nationwide. However, the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment and the Water Development Department (WDD) are promoting water-saving practices, particularly in hotels, which play a critical role in reducing overall consumption, as well as limiting non-essential uses in industrial areas.
As stated to “Entrepreneurial Limassol” by the Director of the WDD, Eliana Tofa Christidou, the WDD and the Ministry are in continuous communication with Hotel Associations and large tourism establishments, promoting specific water-saving measures. Among others, hotels are encouraged to use aerators, greywater reuse systems, and to limit non-essential uses, such as washing external surfaces. At the same time, visitor awareness programs are promoted to encourage responsible water consumption.
The WDD Director emphasized that hotels are a key factor in conservation, as their contribution can significantly reduce overall demand, especially during the summer months. She added that related recommendations will be reinforced as the peak tourist season approaches.
Regarding industrial areas, Ms. Tofa Christidou stated that no interruptions to the water supply are anticipated. However, special guidelines may be issued to limit non-critical uses, such as outdoor washing and other non-essential consumption. She highlighted that the WDD closely monitors demand and collaborates with local water authorities to ensure preventive and rational management without affecting business operations. “In cases of extreme drought, however, usage restrictions may need to be considered,” she added.
Referring to the plan for establishing small desalination units by hotels, Ms. Tofa noted that the WDD has already evaluated the operational framework for small, decentralized desalination units in large hotel facilities. The plan is currently in the study phase for technical specifications, water quality, environmental impacts, and required permits. As she mentioned, there is interest from some hotels, particularly in areas with high seasonal demand. “Implementation will depend on compliance with specifications and operating costs for each unit. A renewed briefing for hoteliers on the benefits and use of the plan will take place in February,” she concluded.
Regarding the use of recycled water from sewage systems and wastewater treatment plants, the WDD Director stated that the Limassol district, which was previously irrigated by the Kouris Dam and the southern pipeline system, is now fully served by reclaimed water from the Moni and Western Limassol treatment plants. She stressed that this is a significant achievement, as approximately 12 to 13 million cubic meters of water are available annually for irrigation, regardless of weather conditions.
She added that with the promotion of the sewage system construction in the Kourion Municipality and the third wastewater treatment plant in the wider Limassol area, the available amount of reclaimed water will increase significantly.
Ms. Tofa noted that the 12–13 million cubic meters do not cover the total irrigation needs of crops in the Limassol district, as the cultivated areas are larger. However, with the additional quantity that will come from the new stations, irrigation needs will be met to a greater extent. “While not all crops may be fully covered, the areas irrigated with reclaimed water are clearly larger compared to other regions, especially during drought periods. Reclaimed water provides Limassol with a tangible and measurable advantage,” she emphasized.
Regarding the sewage systems of mountainous communities, the WDD Director noted that only a very small quantity of reclaimed water is currently utilized, and only in limited areas. She pointed out that historically there was strong resistance from farmers, who believed their wells would be inexhaustible. “In recent years, due to prolonged drought, significant pressure has been observed on groundwater. Perhaps it is time to make this shift, leveraging the experience of farmers who have used reclaimed water for years, and to promote projects that will secure a stable water source for their crops,” concluded Eliana Tofa Christidou.
