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The long-term disposal of domestic wastewater into soakaway pits was the main factor behind rising groundwater levels and the reactivation of landslides in Pissouri, according to scientific research published in 2024.
The findings point to the role of wastewater management in the geological instability affecting the community, where ground movements have damaged homes and continue to threaten local infrastructure.
Researchers found that the continuous discharge of household wastewater into underground absorption pits contributed to an increase in groundwater levels, weakening conditions in the affected area. Rainwater infiltration also played a part in the process.
The study, published in the scientific journal Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment, examined the reactivation of the old Pissouri landslide and identified wastewater disposal as its main contributing factor.
The findings give particular significance to plans for a formal sewerage system, which could help prevent uncontrolled wastewater from entering the ground.
New infrastructure plans subject to funding
The Limassol District Local Government Organisation (EOA Limassol) has committed to undertaking the construction of a wastewater sewerage system and a separate stormwater drainage network in Pissouri.
The commitment was discussed during an October 26 visit to the community by the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment and EOA Limassol president Yiannis Tsoulouftas.
The delegation visited areas affected by landslides and inspected damage to residential properties before attending a meeting at the Community Council offices. Community Council president Panayiotis Mavroudis and council members presented a memorandum setting out the area's outstanding requests.
The proposed sewerage system was among the priorities raised, given the scientific evidence linking wastewater infiltration to the instability of the ground.
However, the projects remain conditional on geological and technical assessments confirming that construction is feasible, as well as state approval for the required expenditure. No construction timetable or approved budget has been announced.
Limnes remains an area of particular concern
A separate technical report prepared by the Geological Survey Department in cooperation with the British Geological Survey, published in December 2024, found that landslide activity remains ongoing in both the old village and the Limnes area.
The report recorded faster ground movements in Limnes compared with the old village, identifying the area as a particular point of attention for monitoring and future intervention.
Among the issues requiring attention are groundwater levels, drainage conditions and possible leaks from water supply networks. These factors can contribute to the amount of water entering the ground and affect its stability.
While improved wastewater and stormwater management could help reduce some of the conditions associated with ground movement, neither network alone would resolve the landslide problem. The geological conditions require continued monitoring and a coordinated technical response.
Residents still waiting for concrete action
Although the intensity of the landslide activity has decreased, the situation in Pissouri remains unresolved. Damage to houses and infrastructure continues to affect residents, while questions remain over the long-term protection of the community.
The proposed sewerage and stormwater networks represent two significant elements of the planned response. Their progress, however, depends on the completion of the necessary investigations and the state's decision on funding.
The cost of the projects, the number of properties and areas they would cover, and the timing of construction have yet to be determined.
With information from Bulletin of Engineering Geology and the Environment.
