​WATER SHORTAGE IRONY

Cyprus is the third largest Island in the Mediterranean Sea. Even though the leading characteristic of any island can be the water element and its relevancies, Cyprus’ major natural hazard is droughts. The island ironically, has to deal with freshwater shortage problems and droughts and at the same time it is celebrating a “Water Festival”. Rainfall has dropped dramatically over the past years. There is reduction of the annual precipitation and an increase in demand due to tourism development like swimming pools and spa resorts. The authorities have been trying to solve the problem with desalination plans, water reclamation and reuse low quality water as well as limiting the supply of water to the residents.
A very initial idea I had was to design another desalination plan. Catharsis of seawater and the production of clean fresh water could have been symbolic. However this idea failed for many reasons. A desalination plan could be constructed to provide additional freshwater but it would emit high saline wastewater and chemical discharges in the sea. Water is a need for peoples’ health and vitality, however a massive factory on the marine environment would definitely be a contrasting disadvantage to ‘The Water Festival’ ideology and ancient character.