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Cyprus is facing an escalating water crisis, and while desalination plants are often touted as the solution, an expert warns that this may not be enough to solve the island's long-term water problems. Dr. Xenia Loizidou, a respected Civil Engineer and Hydraulic Engineer, says that while desalination can provide some relief, it is a "knee-jerk" solution and part of a larger, poorly coordinated approach to the country's water management issues.
The looming water shortage in Cyprus is a problem that can no longer be ignored. With the government planning to install 15 new desalination plants that will produce a total of just 5.5 million cubic meters of water per year, Loizidou questions whether this will truly address the root of the issue. She highlights the need for better management, infrastructure, and smart policies instead of simply relying on desalination, which is expensive and environmentally taxing.
"The real solutions lie in addressing the underlying issues. We need to focus on better managing our water resources, investing in infrastructure, and reducing water wastage," Loizidou tells CYPE. She points out that Cyprus needs to move away from water-intensive practices such as maintaining large lawns and golf courses, adapting crops to use less water, and improving soil management to reduce waste.
One of the concerns raised by Loizidou is the limited effectiveness of desalination plants. Despite the efforts to install these plants, they will only produce a fraction of what the island actually needs. Furthermore, she questions the environmental impact of desalination, particularly regarding the disposal of brine, a byproduct that can harm marine life and ecosystems if not handled properly.
"Where will the brine go?" she asks. "We are potentially facing huge environmental consequences, especially if it ends up in shallow coastal waters. This could be disastrous for biodiversity."
Loizidou is also critical of the current water management system in Cyprus, which she believes is outdated and inefficient. According to her, the island’s water supply network, dating back to the 1970s, has serious problems, with losses as high as 70%. She urges the government to prioritize upgrading the system to prevent further water waste and to build infrastructure that will make Cyprus more resilient to future water shortages.
As Cyprus continues to grapple with climate change and a growing water deficit, Loizidou stresses that the island cannot afford to remain dependent on short-term fixes. "We’ve had studies, we’ve had recommendations, but nothing has changed. We need a comprehensive plan," she says, adding that it is unacceptable for the government to ignore the long-term solutions that are needed to tackle the crisis.
In addition to desalination, Loizidou suggests focusing on more sustainable farming practices, reducing land desertification, and investing in modern water retention techniques. Cyprus’ land is already 70% desertified, and without proper water management and fertilization, she argues, it will become even more challenging to maintain agriculture and support local ecosystems.
*With information from CNA
