Cyprus, the island of love, the land of heroes and saints, had to face two very great dangers, two great problems in its long historical course: The conquerors and water scarcity.
The fate of the island, politically, socially, economically and culturally, was largely determined by these two elements. Alongside the would-be conquerors, the Cypriots had to contend with the lack of the most precious commodity, water, which sustains every form of life on the island.
From ancient times to the present day, climatic conditions have not changed at all. Thus, it is easy to see that the problem of water scarcity has accompanied the entire history of the island and its inhabitants. This phenomenon should of course be resolved in various ways and methods immediately and effectively so that life can continue to exist in our land.
Cyprus, enchanted by bitter seawater, has been struggling for centuries to quench its thirst for fresh water, the fertilizer with its cleansing properties.
Learn the history of Water chronologically
Settlements near surface water resources.
8500 - 3900 BC.
Settlements in places where there were natural springs - rivers (Chirokitia - Maroni River).
2500 - 3900 BC.
The inhabitants used to build their houses in high fortified positions to protect them from enemies and to secure water resources for their needs. Clay and stone pipes carried rainwater to storage areas (cisterns). Eggomi - Salamina.
480 BC - 49 AD.
During this period the saving of water resources began to be done on an organized basis (pipelines - aqueducts). The needs were more because the population was increasing.
330 - 1191 AD.
The scarcity of water was intense due to warfare and change of conquerors. The old aqueducts are maintained and the same methods are used. In 306 AD the descent of Saint Helen to the island is mentioned. During this period Cyprus suffered a drought which, according to historical sources, lasted 17 years. The inhabitants emigrated because they could not survive.
1192 – 1570
Great shortage of water. Cities are watered by clay underground pipes. For irrigation purposes, then there were large fiefdoms producing agricultural products, the "alakati" appeared, which was driven by an animal. This was how water was pumped to the surface from the groundwater.
1571 – 1878
The Turkish conquerors continued the same method of irrigation and water transport to the cities. They increased the number of the "laurels". The most important project they built was the aqueduct that carried water to the city of Larnaca.
1878 – 1960
The British colonialists paid particular attention to tackling the problem of water scarcity, for more reasons of their own. They repaired many irrigation works and planned to drill for artesian water. In fact, the expert geologist R. Russel arrived in Cyprus to do a scientific study. In 1896 the Department of Public Works was established to undertake the construction of water works. In 1898 the hydraulic engineer Medicott also arrived from Great Britain to study the construction of the works. He suggested the most suitable place for irrigation in the area of Mesaoria and for the construction of water reservoirs the villages of Kouklia, Acheritou and Sykrasi. He also recommended the utilisation of rivers and reversing their flow. The first reservoir was to be constructed at Gerolakko. Russel's recommendations were not implemented due to difficulties in their implementation. In 1905 another British geologist, C. Reid, arrived in Cyprus, who suggested drilling boreholes in the Kokkinochoria and Morphou areas. In early 1939 the Department of Water Supply and Irrigation was created, which was to take responsibility for the creation of water development projects. In 1955 the department was renamed the Water Development Department. In the period before Independence, thousands of boreholes were drilled throughout Cyprus due to the over-supply of underground reserves. They were threatened with depletion, particularly in the Famagusta, Morphou and Akrotiri areas.
1960 – TODAY
The newly established Republic of Cyprus was aware of the problem of water shortage and set a goal to address it in a timely and effective manner. "NO WATER IN THE SEA" was the motto of the Government's water policy. Studies were carried out, experts arrived in Cyprus to plan and construct projects to help develop long and short term plans for water conservation. Many dams were constructed which greatly helped agriculture and households. After the Turkish invasion in 1974, despite the difficult times the country faced, impressive projects were accomplished in the field of water development. However, the low rainfall observed in recent decades has resulted in a steady drop in groundwater levels and scarce water inflow to the dams. This has affected agriculture and livestock farming and, by extension, the local economy. To deal with the situation, desalination plants were set up to meet water supply needs.
Recommendations made in 1967 by the technical inspector of Nicosia Water Board, Mr. Andreas H" Savvas for the saving of water.
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