Filenews 26 May 2025 - by Angelos Nicolaou
On the occasion of the recent disturbance caused by reports from British Bases of possible pollution in the marine area of Lady Mile, the Department for the Environment has assured the public that bathing waters in the area remain safe and of excellent quality.
According to the competent Authorities, immediately after the relevant notification, inspectors were mobilized and on-site investigations were carried out, in cooperation with the Health Services and the General Chemical Laboratory of the State. The samples taken from the seawater did not detect any contamination. This process is standardized and is activated whenever there is a suspicion of contamination.
Cyprus maintains excellent levels of quality in bathing waters over time, with percentages that rank the country in the first places in the EU. The incident of Lady Mile underlined the need for vigilance, but also highlighted the effectiveness of control and management mechanisms.
When and how the inspections are carried out in Cyprus and how the quality of the seawater is ensured, the Department of the Environment informs us about this. According to the competent Authority, the monitoring of bathing water quality on the coasts of Cyprus is carried out in accordance with the provisions of the European Directive 2006/7/EC on bathing water quality management and the Harmonization Law 57(I)/2008.
The Department of Environment, in collaboration with the Health Services and the General Chemistry, systematically monitors 123 bathing areas from May 1 to October 31. The tests include monthly sampling for the bacteria enterococci and Escherichia coli, while in Blue Flag areas analyses are carried out every 15 days.
The list of bathing water areas includes areas where a large number of bathers are expected to attend, taking into account the provided infrastructure or other measures to promote bathing.
The 123 sites include three sites in the Lady Mile area, after the British Bases ceded surveillance powers under Ordinance 27 of 2012.
The Department of the Environment, within the framework of its responsibilities for water pollution control and quality management, examines incidents of pollution from land to sea. Where and where sources of pollution are identified, measures are taken in accordance with the Water and Soil Pollution Control Laws (2002–2024) (e.g. termination of discharge, closure of pipelines, out-of-court proceedings).
The maximum penalties for non-compliance with the Bathing Water Quality Management Law are:
➢ Administrative Fine up to €150,000
➢ Criminal Offense with a Fine of up to €150,000 and/or imprisonment for up to 3 years
In case of pollution, a repeat sampling is carried out within 72 hours, as well as additional sampling 7 days later. Depending on the severity, the Department of the Environment proceeds to inform the public, install signs, warning signs, recommend avoiding or closing a beach.
If the results remain out of bounds, management measures are applied depending on the identity of the area.
Anyone who notices a pollution incident can report it to the 24-hour number 7000 4055, which is listed on information signs.
All pollution complaints are investigated by the inspectors of the Department of the Environment, in cooperation with Health Services, Public Health Services or other competent Services. During the investigation, samples of seawater are taken and analyses are carried out by the General Chemistry of the State.
The results of the analyses, the classification of the waters and other data are posted online and on the beaches, allowing direct access to the information by the public.
How the list of bathing waters is formed
Each year and before the start of the bathing season (1 May), the interested public is informed through a public consultation on the revision of the list of bathing water areas and has the right to participate, by submitting opinions and requests.
The requests are evaluated by the competent departments (Department of the Environment, Health Services, General Chemistry of the State) and the final list is formed. Then, a monitoring program is prepared, with sampling by the Health Services and analyses by the General Chemistry of the Ministry of Health.
The relevant European Directive places particular emphasis on public information and participation, with the publication of area identities, monitoring and quality classification results, both online and through special signs on the beaches.
Which areas are monitored?
The 123 monitored areas include:
- Ayia Napa: Konnos, Nisi, Makronissos, Pernera, Ammos tou Kambouris, Agia Thekla
- Paralimni: Protaras, Kappari, Agia Triada, Pernera Bay
- Limassol: Olympia Coast, Dasoudi, Governor's Coast, Lady Mile, Agios Georgios Alamanou
- Larnaca: Finikoudes, Mackenzie, Faros
- Paphos: Municipal Baths, Salt Flats, Lighthouse, Petra tou Romiou
- Municipality of Peyia: Kafezi, Laurou, Koralia Bay
- Nicosia: Omega in Pijenia, Kryoneri, Karafa in Kato Pyrgos
The areas are selected based on the attendance of bathers, tourist infrastructure and data from previous years.
