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The government water policy focuses on the maximum potential exploitation of non-conventional water resources, such as recycled water, the use of which produces equal quantities of good quality water. Tertiary treated recycled water is used for irrigation of existing cropping land and for recharging aquifers. Full exploitation of recycled water is a long-term costly process, the success of which will decrease or even eliminate the necessity to build more desalination plants.
As regards the installation of sewage central collection and treatment systems, within the framework of harmonization with the European aquis, a program has been established for the installation of central sewage systems in all areas with equivalent population if over 2000 persons. The harmonization program, which will be completed by 2012, includes 4 major urban areas (Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos), the two tourist areas of Ayia Napa and Paralimni and 38 rural areas of over 2000 person equivalent population. For the development of the feasibility studies, detailed designs and environmental studies for the 28 rural communities that are included in the harmonization program, the European Union has granted an aid accounting for 1.000.000 Euro.
In parallel, the establishment of sewage systems in smaller rural communities that do not fall within the harmonization obligations (with population less than 2000 persons), is being promoted, because these communities have sewage disposal problems.
The construction of additional water works as provided in the Strategic Water Development Plan for the period up to 2015 is also under development. In line with the above framework Arminou dam has already been constructed, on Diarizos river, the construction of Tamassos Dam on Pediaios river, the construction of Kannaviou Dam on Ezousa river, and the construction of Klirou - Malounda - Akaki Dam on Ακακι river. Also the design of Solea Irrigation Project has already commenced, while other small projects are at the feasibility stage.
In addition to the implementation and subsidization of water conservation measures and the water consciousness development for the proper use of this precious resource, a systematic approach is made to increase demand.
In addition, the implementation of the Water Framework Directive, which resulted following lengthy discussions and negotiations among European Union member states, constitutes an integral part of the government policy. The objective of this Directive is the conservation, improvement and safeguarding of the good condition of water bodies (surface, groundwater and coastal) until 2015 and the development of a river basin management plan at river basin level.
Within this framework, it have already been finalized and are being under public consultation the Draft River Basin Management Plan, the Preliminary Programme of Measures, the Preliminary Drought Management Plan, the Interim Strategic Environmental Assessment Report, as well as the Preliminary Report on Water Policy. The public consultation campaign is expected to be finalized by 30th of November 2010 and the Final River Basin Management Plan along with the Final Drought Management Plan, which complements and support the aforementioned Plan, will be submitted to the European Committee by April 2011, after their approval by the Council of Ministers.
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© 2003 - 2010 Republic of Cyprus, Water Development Department |
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