Water Supply in North Cyprus
January 28, 2009 by Essential Ed
Filed under Communications & Utilities, North Cyprus Living
What can we tell you about water in North Cyprus, apart from the fact that this small island doesn’t have much?
The situation in recent years has become more and more serious, and in future articles we will attempt to educate and inform people about this issue – which is not about to go away in the foreseeable future, as weather predictions show that more dry and hot weather is likely in the years to come.
Water in North Cyprus is mainly taken from natural reservoirs located in various parts of the island, and also from wells which are drilled to supply some villages and towns. The most populated areas such as Kyrenia, Lefkoşa and Famagusta often rely on tanker deliveries for their supplies as there is limited mains water available. Water also arrives in North Cyprus naturally from Turkey via aquifers deep underground, these level out in Cyprus and provide a natural supply that’s then tapped into for day-to-day usage.
It’s often mentioned that you should not drink the mains water in North Cyprus – and we would always suggest you err on the side of caution and stick to this advice. But many do drink the water and have come to no harm, however, this can depend on where you are located and where your water is sourced from. Most expats choose to buy water coolers and then buy in supplies of water bottles that can be fitted easily, giving instant and fresh hot and cold water.
If you are on a mains supply then it will be metered and is supplied via the mains to your tanks. These are normally located on the ground for storage, and on the roof where solar panels heat your hot water supply and where, with the help of gravity, you get better water pressure in your home. You will be required to pay your bills on a monthly basis to your local belediye (district office). As with all bill paying it is possible to organise payments through designated banks in North Cyprus, or to top up your water account with credit if you are not going to be around.
If you require a tankered supply of water to your home then there are many companies and individuals who can supply it for you. Prices again vary, with delivery in the summer months being more expensive compared to winter delivery charges. For an average water tank of 2 tonnes you should expect to pay around 20-25YTL 
(approx £8-10), but having said that, with water becoming more scare, prices are bound to increase!
Prices also differ depending on your local belediye, with Alsancak near Kyrenia for example charging a set amount of 20YTL (approx £8) for the first 20 tonnes, and then implementing a tiered increase thereafter. This has the aim of making people more aware of how much they are using and trying to curb unnecessary consumption.
Some of the larger property developments built for the holiday home market have started to take the situation seriously, building communal pools rather than lots of individual ones, and also have chosen to build integrated desalinisation plants within their developments, at least meaning they are not taking natural supplies from the wider community.
Given our initial statement on the dire water situation in North Cyprus, water is a PRECIOUS resource, and people need to think twice before hosing down patios and driveways, washing cars, as well as over exuberant garden watering amongst other things!! Also be aware that water to fill or top up swimming pools should be delivered by tanker as it is illegal to use mains or well water. You can be fined and have your supply cut off if you are found doing this. Please use water wisely!
Damlaya Damlaya Yok Olur – Drop by Drop it Disappears!
For more information and articles on the other amenities, utilities and communications available please visit our North Cyprus Communications & Utilities section for a full rundown.
I am interested in the point that you are not supposed to use well water to top pools up as am buying in Ozankoy and even now are told that you can use well water.
Hi Malcolm,
Yes its a difficult and confusing situation! Private wells which you may put on your own property are for your personal use obviously, but they are not dug as deep as the local council wells which are used by tankers to fill up for municipality use to supply homes and for topping up pools. The reason they are dug deeper is so they can tap into the natural acquifers which come from Turkey which provide a natural supply of water.
Therefore if you are using your own well to use water to top up your pool you are in affect, we are told, using the local supply which dwindles very quickly during the spring and summer. As you are located on the lowlands it could be argued that it could draw precious supplies from the mountains as well, which again are badly needed during the summer months. As of spring 2009 the natural reservoirs in North Cyprus are only at half their capacity, and we have had quite a wet winter.
There is the obvious argument that it all comes from the same place in the end however. But, despite this, the rules state that you should be using the services of a tanker which taps into the deeper acquifers. We have asked the local council about this and this is their stance, whether its correct or not.
Hope this explanation helps you, even though we are not that technically minded and maybe you can seek further clarification from your local council to be on the safe side. It would be interesting to hear what they have to say if you do speak to them.