The monitoring of the quality of bathing waters at the coasts of Cyprus takes place in accordance with the provisions of the Directive 2006/7/EC concerning the management of bathing water Quality.
Within the framework of the implementation of the Harmonization Law 57(I)/2008 concerning the management of bathing water quality, the Department of Environment is the competent authority for the implementation of the relevant national legislation. However, after delegation of powers of the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Health Services were assigned responsible for sampling and the State General Laboratory was assigned responsible for the analysis of specimens taken. For this purpose, bathing water quality from bathing waters in areas of Cyprus is regularly monitored, during the bathing season (May 1st until Oct 31st) for two parameters, enterococci and Escherichia-coli. Prior to the start of each bathing season, all bathing areas are identified. The quality of bathing water is monitored with sampling of at least once a month during the bathing season. To this end, the quality of bathing water in 112 bathing areas in Cyprus during the bathing season of 2018 is systematically monitored.
Sampling is carried out according to the schedule prepared jointly by the relevant law enforcement agencies.
In case a result is not consistent with the provisions of the relevant legislation, additional samples are taken until water quality is restored in the bathing area the issue was detected.
The Department of Environment's responsibilities for water pollution control and bathing water management quality, examines the pollution issues for which it receives information and involve sources of water pollution from the land.
In case of occurrence of a pollution incident in bathing areas, the following steps are taken, depending on the severity of the issue:
(a) Sampling in cooperation with the District Health Services.
(b) The sample is sent to the State General Laboratory or another accredited laboratory for analysis.
(c) The results are published on the website of the Department of Environment for the public information. according to article 13 of the relevant legislation.
In the event of a short-term pollution incident, i.e. microbiological contamination which has identifiable causes and is not normally expected to affect the bathing water quality for more than about 72 hours, an additional sample is taken after 72 hours to confirm that the incident has ended. If deemed necessary, an additional sample shall be taken after the end of short-term pollution according to the relevant legislation (see the relevant tables below).
In the event that the sampling results continue to be outside the limits of the parameters laid down by the law, the necessary measures are taken, including management measures listed in the classification of each bathing area.
Specifically, during a pollution incident in the context of the bathing season the Department of Environment informs bathers by posting the appropriate informative signs and special markings whether swimming is advised or not.
This occurs only in designated bathing areas in accordance with the relevant decree (R.A.A.422/2012). The measures include informing the public and, if is needed, prohibiting swimming in the particular bathing area where the problem was detected.
It is also important to note that if someone becomes aware of a pollution incident, he/she may call: 7000 4055, which is posted on every sign in swimming areas, during public service business hours.
It is stressed that it is particularly important that bathing water quality must remain in the classification level of excellent quality, to protect public health, the environment and tourism and the economy of our country.