Presentation of MAR feasibility maps in Cyprus to representatives of Water Development Department

A stakeholder meeting was held in the facilities of the Water Development Department on the 29 January 2024. During that meeting, Dr. Panagiotou, PI of the local partner (ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence) of AGREEMAR project, presented the latest outcomes regarding the identification of regions within the Republic of Cyprus which are feasible for installation of Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) systems.

Dr. Constantinos Panagiotou presented the MAR feasibility maps to representatives of Water Development Department of Cyprus on 29 January 2024 (photo: WDD)

A brief introduction of the main objectives and research approach of AGREEMAR project were presented, with emphasis on the role of water-related stakeholders to ensure the validity and usefulness of the outcomes. A step-by-step description of the implementation stages was provided, referring to all sources of information used to compile the results, along with the major assumptions.

Recommendations were provided which can be included in the revised version of the maps:

  • use new threshold values for reused wastewater based on standard 2020/741 regarding the minimum requirements.
  • consider the Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) under the Water Framework Directive
  • add drinking well zones (will be provided by WDD)

Part of the discussion was focused on the development of the groundwater model for Akrotiri, and the training activities that will take place in Cyprus this year. It was agreed that new meetings will be held to disseminate the new outcomes of the project.