Filenews 5 January 2023 - by Vassos Vassiliou
A total of twenty cases of deviation from the water quality standard were detected by the Health Services in coin-operated water machines in one year, although the situation is constantly improving compared to the past. A case of chemical deviation (which is also serious in relation to microbiology) was also detected in a machine, which was removed from its owner. Heavy metals had been found in the water, which is attributed to the intubation of the machine.
"F" requested an update after finding that a coin-operated water machine was rusting in various places, as shown in the relevant photographs. Other machines have problems with their image but to a lesser extent while there are several in very good condition. It is noted that in this particular water machine there was a certificate of suitability attached. As the health officer Andreas Hadjigeorgiou informed us the day before yesterday, on behalf of the Department of Health Services, at the point of the specific machine where the coins are placed, there were screws so that it would not be able to function. At the same time, there was not even the licence pasted which means that someone put it out of order. The fact that a machine is rusty on the outside does not necessarily mean that its water is not of good quality, since rust may be confined to the outside of the machine.
But what does the legislation provide for?
The relevant legislation provides that "in each coin-operated tanker, measures are taken by both the owner or manager of the tanker and the owner of the space in which it is located, so that the tanker and the space are always kept clean and in a healthy condition".
The legislation includes provisions which, when implemented, ensure to a satisfactory extent that the water supplied to the consumer will be of good quality, in the sense that systematic control is provided for. Always in accordance with the legislation, the holder of a certificate issued on the basis of the relevant Regulation, must take care of microbiological analyses of the water he has, at least once a month and in case it is found in any of these analyses that the parameters and parametric values do not fully meet the requirements of the Law, it must carry out new analyses no later than seven days after taking appropriate corrective action.
As Mr. Hadjigeorgiou explains, the owners of the machines submit an application at the beginning of each new year and an on-the-spot check as well as a laboratory check is carried out and, if the result is satisfactory, the certificate is issued which is valid throughout the year.
Also of interest is the number of coin-operated machines across the island which amount to 1,137. Of these, 18 coin-operated machines operate in Paphos, 295 in Larnaca, 135 in Famagusta, 108 in Limassol and 581 in Nicosia.
It is noted that those professionals who have coin operated machines also have tanker vehicles selling water.
The certificate of suitability covers the tanker itself, i.e. the coin-operated water supply machine.
As far as water tankers are concerned, their number is 108 nationwide, of which there are 16 in Famagusta, 26 in Larnaca, 9 in Limassol, 53 in Nicosia and four in Paphos. Moreover, there are 37 tanker trailers throughout Cyprus, of which 3 in Famagusta, 13 in Larnaca, four in Limassol and 17 in Nicosia.
Finally, there are 11 tanker ships in Limassol and one in Larnaca. These tankers supply water to cruise ships and passenger ships, although the water in this case comes from the Water Supply and not from springs.
In recent years, control has been strengthened
The control of water from springs was strengthened since 2008 with an amendment of the legislation that provided for and expansion of the responsibilities of the Health Services.
Phenomena of uncontrolled movement of water machines from one point to another that were observed in the past (resulting in gaps in control) disappeared, while the planning of the control was also improved, although the number of staff is considered not to be sufficient.
All professionals engaged in water disposal are registered in the special register with their own number, which is placed on a metal plate and imprinted on the tanker. It is noted that when a water machine is moved without approval and control, it loses its registration.
