Filenews 20 July 2025 - by Stelios Vrahimi
Provincial Local Government Organizations (EDCs) are now called upon to manage an ever-changing and demanding environment, facing challenges related to water supply, such as aging infrastructure, leaks in water networks, the risk of contamination of drinking water and the need for proper management of water resources. The adoption of innovative digital technologies and the transition to "smart water systems" is now considered necessary for the sustainable and safe management of water systems.
In this context, the Limassol District Local Government Organization (EDA), in collaboration with the Centre of Excellence for Research and Innovation "Koios" of the University of Cyprus, is proceeding with the implementation of the "Limassol Smart Water Network" project, which is funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan of Cyprus.
The aim of the project is to create an integrated information system that will analyze in real time data generated by hundreds of thousands of smart water meters, as well as by pressure, flow, and water quality sensors. The system, which will be fully operational by 2026, will allow the Limassol EDA to have an accurate picture of the state of the network, thus enhancing faster and more efficient decision-making.
Digital twins: The "digital mind" of the network
A central role in the project is played by the software "Oceanos Digital Twin" (Oceanos DT), an advanced digital copy of the Limassol water supply system, where pipelines, tanks, pumping stations and sensors are connected in a single, dynamic simulation environment.
The software has been designed by the intelligent water systems team of the "Koios" Centre of Excellence, in collaboration with the engineers of the Limassol EDA, with the aim of being able to provide answers to critical questions, such as:
- What is the probability of a leak in an area and where is the point of failure?
- How can the pressure be adjusted to reduce invisible losses?
- What is the water quality in places that are not monitored by sensors?
- How can water disinfection be regulated to reduce the risk of contamination?
- How can we effectively manage a potential infection?
With the "Oceanos" software, engineers can monitor the status of the network in real time and identify problems in a timely manner, such as network leaks. In addition, they can run simulations and evaluate alternative operating scenarios, without interrupting the normal operation of the water supply network.
The software leverages advanced technologies, such as optimization algorithms, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, which it integrates into specialized applications that support faster and more accurate decision-making.
From early detection of leaks and contamination, to strategic planning to address challenges such as water scarcity, the "Oceanos" software is a powerful tool for forecasting and decision support, contributing substantially to improving the operation and resilience of the water supply network.
Innovation with a Cypriot identity
The "Limassol Smart Water Network" project is the result of 20 years of research collaboration between the researchers of the "Koios" Centre of Excellence and the Technical Teams of the Limassol EDA, who co-designed solutions adapted to the needs and challenges of the Cypriot reality.
The advantage of this collaboration is the continuous exploration and training of the Limassol EDA Officers in new technologies. The most important thing, however, is to create solutions to real problems facing the Agency.
For its part, "Koios" – thanks to the integration of field experience and real challenges in its research work – has managed to stand out in the scientific field of smart systems for the management of water networks. As a result, the Centre receives international recognition and funding from the European Union and other international organisations.
At the same time, the case of the Limassol network is now presented at international conferences, used as a reference point in research projects and competitions and contributes to the formation of new standards at the European level. An indicative example is the global competition Battle of the Leakage Detection and Isolation Methods (BattLeDIM), which was based on the Limassol network with the aim of developing and comparing leak detection algorithms.
It is also worth noting that, through the collaboration, the digital tool PathoINVEST for the management of water pollution crises was developed, which was used in a large-scale exercise in Limassol and was awarded by the European Water Europe Agency with the Digital Water Award 2024.
* Senior Research Associate – Centre of Excellence for Research and Innovation "Koios", University of Cyprus
