Many residents and visitors of Cyprus are wondering how safe it is to drink water directly from the kitchen faucet.
The answer to this question is unequivocal: the water supplied to homes through municipal networks fully complies with strict European standards and is suitable for daily use. Nevertheless, the high level of sales of bottled water and the popularity of household filters show that public confidence in tap water remains low. The reason lies not so much in the actual quality, as in habits, taste preferences and lack of transparent information about the inspections carried out.
The General Director of the Limassol Water Supply Organization emphasizes that quality control begins from the moment the water is taken in and does not stop for a minute until it reaches the faucet in your apartment. Tap water undergoes multi-stage purification and is tested for dozens of chemical and microbiological parameters. Cyprus has one hundred percent access to clean drinking water, but many still choose water in plastic bottles. This is due to the convenience of traveling, the subjective perception of taste, and the well-established stereotype that “bottled” means “more natural.” To destroy this myth, the authorities rely on the openness of these analyses and educational work.
One of the main concerns of the public is the condition of the pipes, some of which were laid decades ago and may contain asbestos. Experts reassure: the health risk of drinking water is associated with inhalation of asbestos dust, and not with the contact of water with such pipes. The World Health Organization confirms that even when passing through old communications, the water remains safe according to this parameter. Nevertheless, infrastructure modernization programs are being actively implemented throughout the island. Old pipes are being replaced with modern polymer materials that are approved by the new European directive and do not emit harmful substances. This allows not only to increase the reliability of the network, but also to significantly reduce the loss of precious moisture.
When talking about the differences between tap water and bottled water, it is important to understand that these are not competitors, but products for different situations. The bottle is convenient on the road or on the beach. However, the key advantage of tap water is continuous monitoring at all stages. It does not need to be transported and stored in plastic, which reduces the risks of secondary contamination. Both liquids are regulated by different legislative acts, and if you are at home, using a citywide network is a more practical, environmentally friendly and economical choice. In Europe, Cyprus occupies a leading position in terms of water availability, so high consumption of bottled water should be regarded as a tribute to fashion or habit, and not as a result of poor quality of the resource.
The issue of installing filters also requires a balanced approach. Tap water itself is safe, and a filter is not a prerequisite for its use. If you decide to use a cleaning system, it is extremely important to change the cartridges strictly on schedule. An untimely replacement of the filter element turns the device from an assistant into a source of bacteria, since a humid environment promotes the reproduction of microorganisms. With proper maintenance, the filter can improve organoleptic properties (taste and smell), but it should not be perceived as a panacea for a non-existent threat.
The topic of microplastics deserves special attention, which is now being discovered everywhere. Hundreds of thousands of tons of plastic waste end up in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea every year. However, to date, the scientific community does not have sufficient data to assert that the concentration of microplastics in drinking water poses a real threat to human health. Research is ongoing, and so far the level of these particles in tap water does not exceed the permissible values set for safety.
Global climate change poses new serious challenges for Cyprus. Prolonged droughts and increased consumption due to tourism require a review of resource management approaches. The authorities are betting on a comprehensive solution: the construction of desalination plants, the reuse of treated wastewater for irrigation and the modernization of networks to reduce leaks. In the coming years, success will depend not only on extracting new water, but also on taking care of existing reserves. Cyprus has all the necessary technologies and knowledge to cope with climate challenges.
Official quality monitoring on the island is carried out by several structures at once: the Ministry of Health, the State Laboratory and local water supply organizations. Samples are taken regularly in various locations, including remote villages. Not only harmful bacteria are checked, but also the content of heavy metals, pesticides and disinfection by-products. Even if the analysis shows the presence of a substance, this is not an alarm signal as long as its concentration does not exceed legally established standards. The main goal of the quality assurance system is safety on the way from the cleaning station to your glass.
Source: en.philenews.com
https://cyprusbutterfly.com.cy/news/voda-krana-kipre-mozhno-bezopasno
