The production of recycled water in 2020 at the wastewater treatment plant in Larnaca, exceeded 3.5 million cubic metres, it was announced on Tuesday.

Larnaca Sewerage Board said in a statement that recycled water was a reliable source, which added significant amounts to the water balance and at the same time saved fresh water in dams and groundwater aquifers.

“Benefits of water reuse are undeniable for the economy, the society but also for the environment, especially for Cyprus, as it is accepted as a sustainable water resource,” the board said.

It is expected that wastewater treatment plants will increase in number and capacity in the future, it added.

Recycled water that comes from tertiary wastewater treatment is distributed through public facilities for the irrigation of agricultural and livestock crops and green areas.

According to the announcement, an additional programme was implemented in Cyprus so that the produced recycled water is suitable for irrigation purposes. This was applied both in the sewerage systems of large urban and rural areas.

Indicatively, 70 per cent of the quantity is allocated to farmers for the cultivation of livestock, while 30 per cent is allocated for the irrigation of gardens, football fields, and elsewhere.