Filenews 22 July 2023
The prolonged heat wave and high temperatures lead to increased demand for water and the Water Department appeals to the public calling for the use of the precious commodity sparingly.
Efi Attikouri, Senior Executive Engineer, Head of the Water Service of the Water Department, told CNA that this year there have been significant increases in the demand for drinking water compared to the same period last year.
"There is particularly increased demand this year in tourist areas due to the increase in tourist flows, but also in other areas with increased urban development. Compared to pre-pandemic levels, the WDD provides increased quantities of water of 10% nationwide," he said.
Mrs. Attikouri explained that due to this increase, the central water supply systems are operating at a marginal level, while due to the prolonged heat wave, in some cases there are shortages.
However, he assured that the WDD takes all appropriate actions throughout the 24-hour period, for the proper management of the available water and the fullest possible coverage of demand.
"On this occasion it is a request to give the message to the public to reduce consumption to a minimum. Especially in our country, which is affected by frequent and prolonged droughts, the need and obligation to save water is always imposed and not only during heat waves," he said.
As mentioned on the WDD website, the scope for saving water is many and the public is encouraged to follow specific suggestions to ensure the best possible use of every last drop. http://www.moa.gov.cy/moa/wdd/wdd.nsf/All/A384AD54A75D3AF9C22583E5003D629D?OpenDocument&highlight=saving%20water
In particular, citizens are asked to regularly check the plumbing installation at home for early diagnosis of any leakage and to take the necessary measures to repair the damage. At the same time, they must take care to immediately fix dripping taps since a faulty faucet, even if it drips drop by drop, can waste several tons of water.
The public is also invited to use the new systems and components for economical use of water and to prefer showers without water running unnecessarily and collecting cold water in a bucket until hot water flows.
Citizens are urged to advise children not to play with water in the bathtub, yard or anywhere else. It would also be good to brush your teeth always with the tap off, throughout brushing.
The public is asked when shaving not to let the water run and to use a small amount of water in a suitable container.
Citizens are also asked to use washing machines and dishwashers only when they are full, always choosing an economical program, to wash fruits and vegetables in a basin, later using the same water for watering flowers and to water flowers and plants with a sprinkler early in the morning or late afternoon when evaporation is limited.
For washing the car, use a sponge and bucket and not a hose and the cleaning of verandas and other outdoor areas can be done with a brush or mop without the use of a hose.
The public is urged to contact the relevant authorities for any leakage and loss of water on the roads.
