The Famagusta District Local Government Organisation (EOA) has signed a cooperation agreement with the KIOS Research and Innovation Centre of Excellence to improve the efficiency, reliability and long-term sustainability of the district’s water supply network.

The nine-month research project, with a budget of €76,000, will develop hydraulic models, a monitoring and reporting system, and other smart technologies aimed at improving the operation of the network and making better use of available water resources.

According to the EOA, the project, titled Research Support for Smart Management of the Famagusta District Local Government Organisation Water Supply Network through Hydraulic Modelling and Development of a Reporting System, will draw on KIOS’ expertise to develop modern tools for analysing, monitoring and managing the network.

The work will include analysing the network’s existing technical and operational data, developing and validating hydraulic models for selected areas, carrying out a preliminary assessment of suitable locations for pressure reducing valves (PRVs), creating a monitoring, analysis and reporting system, and supporting technical decision-making on infrastructure planning and pressure management.

EOA president Yiannis Karousos said effective water management was one of the greatest challenges facing Cyprus.

“As the Famagusta District Local Government Organisation, we are investing systematically in modernising our infrastructure and making use of technology to provide high-quality services to citizens,” he said.

“Our cooperation with the KIOS Centre of Excellence creates the conditions for smarter, more efficient and more sustainable management of the district’s water supply network. Through scientific analysis and data-driven decision-making, we are strengthening our ability to make the right decisions for the benefit of consumers and the environment.”

KIOS director and professor Christos Panayiotou said the partnership would allow the research centre to apply expertise gained from similar water management projects for the benefit of local communities.

“Through the preliminary assessment of pressure regulation locations, the development of a modern monitoring and reporting system, and hydraulic modelling of pilot areas of the network, we aim to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of water network management in Famagusta district,” he said.