March 15th, 2007

We are all used to the long wet winters in the UK and then within weeks of the rain stopping being informed by the local authority that a hose pipe ban is in place! With so many people now buying their dream houses in Cyprus, whether as an investment, a holiday home, or your dream house for retirement, the inevitable is happening. With rainfall levels well below average this winter, we are being warned there will be water shortages this summer, but, measures are being taken to bolster the islands natural resources.

People living in Cyprus and tourists are being asked to conserve water, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources are arranging a campaign to advise people of precautions they should be taking in order to get through the summer.

To support the islands natural water resources desalination facilities are being planned for Kyrenia and Famagusta areas. However the water clarified by these units will cost, on average, six to eight times more per unit than the current rates charged.

So if you are living in Cyprus or visiting the island this summer please think about the water your are using, even small concessions towards conservation help, such as saving water from your showers and washing up to water the gardens and mop floors of your dream homes.

Remember, as the campaign says, “Water is life, don’t waste it”, and we can all enjoy living in Cyprus this summer.