**Famagusta Water Network to Undergo Smart Management Upgrade**
The Famagusta District Local Government Organisation (EOA) has embarked on a significant initiative to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of the district’s water supply network. A cooperation agreement has been signed with the KIOS Research and Innovation Centre of Excellence to launch a nine-month research project, which is backed by a budget of €76,000.
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," aims to leverage advanced technologies to improve the operation of the water supply network. This initiative is particularly crucial given the ongoing challenges related to water management in Cyprus.
EOA President Yiannis Karousos emphasized the importance of effective water management, describing it as one of the greatest challenges facing the island. He stated, “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.” Karousos expressed optimism that the collaboration with KIOS would pave the way for smarter and more sustainable management practices.
The project will focus on several key areas. It will involve the analysis of the existing technical and operational data of the water supply network, the development and validation of hydraulic models for selected areas, and a preliminary assessment to identify suitable locations for pressure reducing valves (PRVs). Additionally, a comprehensive monitoring, analysis, and reporting system will be created to support technical decision-making regarding infrastructure planning and pressure management.
KIOS director and professor Christos Panayiotou highlighted the potential benefits of the partnership, noting that the expertise gained from similar water management projects could be applied to benefit local communities. He stated, “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.”
This initiative reflects a broader trend towards integrating smart technologies in public infrastructure management, aiming to optimize resource use and improve service delivery to residents. As water scarcity continues to be a pressing issue in Cyprus, projects like this one are essential for ensuring a reliable and sustainable water supply for the future.
The collaboration between the EOA and KIOS marks a proactive step toward addressing the critical need for modernized water management systems, which could serve as a model for similar efforts in other regions facing water management challenges.