COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT Second River Basin Management Plans - Member State:Cyprus Accompanying the document REPORT FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL on the implementation of the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) and the Floods Directive (2007/60/EC) Second River Basin Management Plans First Flood Risk Management Plans
Date: 2019-02-26
Institutions: Directorate-General for Environment, European Commission
Subjects: Cyprus, adaptation to climate change, application of EU law, environmental risk prevention, flood, risk management, water, water management, water pollution, watercourse

EN 

  EN 

   EUROPEAN COMMISSION  Brussels, 26.2.2019  SWD(2019) 34 final  COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT Second River Basin Management Plans - Member State:Cyprus Accompanying the document REPORT FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL on the implementation of the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) and the Floods Directive (2007/60/EC) Second River Basin Management Plans First Flood Risk Management Plans  {COM(2019) 95 final} - {SWD(2019) 30 final} - {SWD(2019) 31 final} - {SWD(2019) 32 final} - {SWD(2019) 33 final} - {SWD(2019) 35 final} - {SWD(2019) 36 final} - {SWD(2019) 37 final} - {SWD(2019) 38 final} - {SWD(2019) 39 final} - {SWD(2019) 40 final} - {SWD(2019) 41 final} - {SWD(2019) 42 final} - {SWD(2019) 43 final} - {SWD(2019) 44 final} - {SWD(2019) 45 final} - {SWD(2019) 46 final} - {SWD(2019) 47 final} - {SWD(2019) 48 final} - {SWD(2019) 49 final} - {SWD(2019) 50 final} - {SWD(2019) 51 final} - {SWD(2019) 52 final} - {SWD(2019) 53 final} - {SWD(2019) 54 final} - {SWD(2019) 55 final} - {SWD(2019) 56 final} - {SWD(2019) 57 final} - {SWD(2019) 58 final} - {SWD(2019) 59 final} - {SWD(2019) 60 final} - {SWD(2019) 61 final} - {SWD(2019) 62 final} - {SWD(2019) 63 final} - {SWD(2019) 64 final} - {SWD(2019) 65 final} - {SWD(2019) 66 final} - {SWD(2019) 67 final} - {SWD(2019) 68 final} - {SWD(2019) 69 final} - {SWD(2019) 70 final} - {SWD(2019) 71 final} - {SWD(2019) 72 final} - {SWD(2019) 73 final} - {SWD(2019) 74 final} - {SWD(2019) 75 final} - {SWD(2019) 76 final} - {SWD(2019) 77 final} - {SWD(2019) 78 final} - {SWD(2019) 79 final} - {SWD(2019) 80 final} - 
 
 
Table of contents 
Acronyms...................................................................................................................................... 4 

Foreword...................................................................................................................................... 5 

General Information .................................................................................................................... 6 

Status of second river basin management plan reporting ........................................................... 7 

Key strengths, improvements and weaknesses of the second River Basin Management Plan(s) 8 

Recommendations ...................................................................................................................... 17 

Topic 1

  Governance and public participation ....................................................................... 20 

1.1  Assessment of implementation and compliance with WFD requirements in second 
cycle   ...................................................................................................................................... 20 

1.2  Main changes in implementation and compliance since first cycle ............................. 21 

1.3  Progress with Commission recommendations .............................................................. 22 

Topic 2

  Characterisation of the River Basin District............................................................. 23 

2.1  Assessment of implementation and compliance with WFD requirements in second 
cycle   ...................................................................................................................................... 23 

2.2  Main changes in implementation and compliance since first cycle ............................. 36 

2.3  Progress with Commission recommendations .............................................................. 37 

Topic 3 Monitoring, assessment and classification of ecological status in surface water bodies
.................................................................................................................................................... 39 

3.1.  Assessment of implementation and compliance with WFD requirements in second 
RBMPs.................................................................................................................................... 39 

3.2.  Main changes in implementation and compliance since first RBMP ........................... 55 

3.3.  Progress with Commission recommendations .............................................................. 56 

Topic 4 Monitoring, assessment and classification of chemical status in surface water bodies59 

4.1.  Assessment of implementation and compliance with WFD requirements in second 
cycle   ...................................................................................................................................... 59 

4.2.  Main changes in implementation and compliance since first cycle ............................. 73 

4.3.  Progress with Commission recommendations .............................................................. 74 

Topic 5 Monitoring, assessment and classification of quantitative status of groundwater bodies
.................................................................................................................................................... 77 

5.1.  Assessment of implementation and compliance with WFD requirements in second 
cycle   ...................................................................................................................................... 77 

5.2.  Main changes in implementation and compliance since first cycle ............................. 82 

5.3.  Progress with Commission recommendations .............................................................. 83 

Topic 6 Monitoring, assessment and classification of chemical status of groundwater bodies 85 

1 

 
 
 
6.1.  Assessment of implementation and compliance with WFD requirements in second 
cycle   ...................................................................................................................................... 85 

6.2.  Main changes in implementation and compliance since first cycle ............................. 91 

6.3.  Progress with Commission recommendations .............................................................. 92 

Topic 7 Designation of Heavily Modified and Artificial Water Bodies and definition of Good 
Ecological Potential................................................................................................................... 93 

7.1. Assessment of implementation and compliance with WFD requirements in second cycle 
for designation ........................................................................................................................ 93 

7.2.  Main changes in implementation and compliance since first cycle ............................. 97 

7.3.  Progress with Commission recommendations .............................................................. 98 

Topic 8 Environmental objectives and exemptions .................................................................. 100 

8.1.  Assessment of implementation and compliance with WFD requirements in second 
cycle   .................................................................................................................................... 100 

8.2.  Main changes in implementation and compliance since first cycle ........................... 108 

8.3.  Progress with Commission recommendations ............................................................ 108 

Topic 9 Programme of measures ............................................................................................. 110 

9.1.  Assessment of implementation and compliance with WFD requirements in second 
cycle   .................................................................................................................................... 110 

9.2.  Main changes in implementation and compliance since first cycle ........................... 123 

9.3.  Progress with Commission recommendations ............................................................ 123 

Topic 10 Measures related to abstractions and water scarcity ............................................... 127 

10.1.  Assessment of implementation and compliance with WFD requirements in second 
cycle 

 ................................................................................................................................. 127 

10.2.  Main changes in implementation and compliance since first cycle ........................ 129 

10.3. 

Progress with Commission recommendations ........................................................ 130 

Topic 11 Measures related to pollution from agriculture ....................................................... 136 

11.1.  Assessment of implementation and compliance with WFD requirements in second 
cycle 

 ................................................................................................................................. 136 

11.2.  Main changes in implementation and compliance since first cycle ........................ 137 

11.3. 

Progress with Commission recommendations ........................................................ 138 

Topic 12 Measures related to pollution from sectors other than agriculture.......................... 141 

12.1.  Assessment of implementation and compliance with WFD requirements in second 
cycle 

 ................................................................................................................................. 141 

12.2.  Main changes in implementation and compliance since first cycle ........................ 143 

12.3. 

Progress with Commission recommendations ........................................................ 145 

Topic 13 Measures related to hydromorphology ..................................................................... 146 

2 

 
13.1.  Assessment of implementation and compliance with WFD requirements in second 
cycle 

 ................................................................................................................................. 146 

13.2.  Main changes in implementation and compliance since first cycle ........................ 148 

13.3. 

Progress with Commission recommendations ........................................................ 149 

Topic 14 Economic analysis and water pricing policies ......................................................... 151 

14.1.  Assessment of implementation and compliance with WFD requirements in second 
cycle 

 ................................................................................................................................. 151 

14.2. 

Progress with Commission recommendations ........................................................ 152 

Topic 15 Considerations specific to Protected Areas (identification, monitoring, objectives and 
measures) ................................................................................................................................. 154 

15.1.  Assessment of implementation and compliance with WFD requirements in second 
cycle 

 ................................................................................................................................. 154 

15.2.  Main changes in implementation and compliance since first cycle ........................ 157 

15.3. 

Progress with Commission recommendations ........................................................ 157 

Topic 16 Adaptation to drought and climate change ............................................................... 158 

16.1  Assessment of implementation and compliance with WFD requirements in second 
cycle 

 ................................................................................................................................. 158 

16.2  Main changes in implementation and compliance since first cycle ........................ 158 

16.3 

Progress with Commission recommendations ........................................................ 158 

3 

 
 
Acronyms and definitions 

EQS Directive 

Environmental Quality Standards Directive 

FD 

Km 

km2 

KTM 

PoM 

Floods Directive 

Kilometre 

Kilometre squared 

Key Type of Measure 

Programme of Measures 

QA/QC Directive 

Quality Assurance / Quality Control Directive  

RBD 

RBMP 

WFD 

WISE 

Annex 0 

River Basin District 

River Basin Management Plan 

Water Framework Directive 

Water Information System for Europe 

Member States reported the structured information on the 
second  RBMPs  to  WISE  (Water  Information  System  for 
Europe).  Due  to  the  late  availability  of  the  reporting 

guidance, Member States could include in the reporting an 
Annex 0, consisting of a short explanatory note identifying 

what  information  they  were  unable  to  report  and  the 
reasons  why.  This  Annex  was  produced  using  a template 

included  in  the  reporting  guidance.  If  Member  States 
reported all the required information, this explanatory note 

was not necessary. 

4 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreword 

The  Water  Framework  Directive  (WFD)  (2000/60/EC)  requires  in  its  Article  18  that  each 

Member  State  (MS)  reports  its  River  Basin  Management  Plan(s)  (RBMPs)  to  the  European 
Commission. The second RBMPs were due to be adopted by the Member States in December 

2015 and reported to the European Commission in March 2016. 

This  Member  State  Assessment  report  was  drafted  on  the  basis  of  information  that  was 

reported  by  Member  States  through  the  Water  Information  System  for  Europe  (WISE) 
electronic reporting.  

The  Member  State  Reports  reflect  the  situation  as  reported  by  each  Member  State  to  the 
European Commission in 2016 or 2017 and with reference to River Basin Management Plans 

(RBMP) prepared earlier. The situation in the Member States may have changed since then. 

5 

 
 
 
 
General Information 

Cyprus  has  a  population  of  0.8  million  and  a  total  surface  area  of  9,250  km2.  Cyprus  is  the 
largest  island  in  the  eastern  Mediterranean  (Map  A).  The  two  main  mountain  ranges  are  the 
Pentadactylos  in  the  north  and  the  Troodos  in  central  and  south-western  part  of  the  island. 

Between them is the fertile plain of Messaoria. 

Map A   Map of River Basin Districts 

Source: WISE, Eurostat (country borders) 

  International River Basin Districts (within European Union) 
  International River Basin Districts (outside European Union) 
  National River Basin Districts (within European Union) 
  Countries (outside European Union) 
  Coastal Waters 

Cyprus has one River Basin District (RBD) that covers the country’s whole territory (Table A). 
Cyprus being an island, the RBD does not share catchments with other Member States or with 

other  countries.  According  to  the  provisions  of  Article  1  of  Protocol  No  10  on  Cyprus,  the 
application of the acquis  is  suspended in  those areas of the Republic of Cyprus in  which the 

Government of the Republic of Cyprus does not exercise effective control. 

Table A Overview of Cyprus‘s River Basin Districts  

RBD 

CY001 

Name 

Cyprus 

Size (km2) 
11023 

Source: RBMPs reported to WISE 

6 

02550kmCYMediterranean SeaCY001 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Status of second river basin management plan reporting 

A  total  of  one  RBMP  (Cyprus)  was  published  on  7  October  2016.  Documents  are  available 

the  European  Environment  Agency  (EEA)  EIONET  Central  Data  Repository 

from 
https://cdr.eionet.europa.eu/.  

7 

 
 
 
Key strengths, improvements and weaknesses of the second River 
Basin Management Plan(s) 

The main strengths and shortcomings of the second RBMP of Cyprus are as follows: 

 

Governance and public consultation 

 

 

 

Cyprus  used  several  mechanisms  to  involve  stakeholders,  including  via  advisory 

groups and their involvement in drafting of the RBMPs. 

Open meetings were held in different cities to inform the public and stakeholders of 

the RBMP. 

Cyprus did not adopt and publish the RBMP in accordance with the timetable in the 

Water Framework Directive. 

 

Characterisation of the RBD 

 

 

 

 

 

A  new  and  improved  typology  was  developed  for  rivers  and  the  national  types  are 

reported to fit with the intercalibration types.  

For what concerns surface water bodies, there are significant gaps in the establishment 

of reference conditions for all water bodies. The second RBMP refers to a project that 
was underway for the establishment of reference conditions for lake water bodies in 

Cyprus,  which  will  be  used  in  the  third  RBMP.  For  groundwater,  further 
characterisation  work  has  been  undertaken  since  the  first  RBMP,  by  describing  the 

geological  formations and whether they are layered or not.  Cyprus has  also  done an 
assessment of linkages with surface water bodies and terrestrial ecosystems. 

For surface waters and groundwater, significance of pressures was linked to failure of 
objectives and defined in terms of thresholds. 

Cyprus  has  reported  gaps  that  have  to  be  filled  for  some  (but  not  all)  significant 

pressures on groundwater and surface water bodies. Some of the pressure types (e.g. 
diffuse sources) have been apportioned among sectors/activities. 

An inventory of all Priority Substances has been reported in the second RBMP. Tiers 
1 to 4 were implemented for substances deemed relevant at RBD level, and Tier 1 was 

implemented  for  substances  identified  as  not  relevant,  as  recommended  by  the  CIS 
Guidance Document n°28. The data quality was assessed as good. 

8 

 
  Monitoring, assessment and classification of ecological status  

 

There was an increase in the number of monitoring sites used for the surveillance and 

operational monitoring of coastal waters since the first RBMP. Cyprus did not report 
any  surveillance  or  operational  monitoring  sites  in  rivers  and  lakes.  This  was  a 

reporting  error,  and  the  information  subsequently  provided  by  Cyprus  shows  also  a 
significant increase in the number of monitoring sites in rivers, both surveillance and 

operational.  There  was,  however,  a  decrease  in  monitoring  sites  in  lakes,  for  which 
there  were  no  operational  sites  for  the  second  RBMP.  It  should  be  noted,  however, 

that reservoirs, which had been reported as lakes in the first RBMP were now reported 
as rivers, so the number of delineated lake water bodies decreased significantly. 

 

 

 

The proportion of surface water bodies in good or better status/potential was 58 % in 
the  second  RBMP,  compared  to  40  %  in  the  first.  The  proportion  with  unknown 

status/potential  significantly  decreased,  from  21  %  in  the  first  RBMP  to  1  %  in  the 
second. 

More  biological  quality  element  assessment  methods  have  been  developed  since  the 

first RBMP. 

Fish in rivers have not been reported as having been monitored or classified, and no 

assessment  methods  have  been  developed.  The  justification  given  previously  by 
Cyprus  was  that  there  are  no  indigenous  fish  in  its  freshwaters  taking  into  account 

historical information on ecology, climate and pressures. A specific measure has been 
included  in  the  Programme  of  Measures  for  the  period  2016-2021  to  further 

investigate  the  fish  fauna  in  rivers  in  Cyprus.  Cyprus  subsequently  clarified  that 
investigative  projects,  which  included  monitoring  of  fish,  have  already  been  carried 

out since 2010. 

  Monitoring, assessment and classification of chemical status in surface water bodies 

 

Between  the  two  RBMPs  the  proportion  of  surface  water  bodies  in  good  chemical 

status increased from 74 % to 85 %. The proportion of water bodies in unknown status 
decreased from 21 % to 12 %. 

 

Around a quarter of rivers and a third of lakes and coastal waters were monitored for 
chemical status. This means that a significant number of water bodies were classified 
in  the  absence  of  monitoring  data  for  these  water  bodies,  and  it  may  at  least  partly 

9 

 
 

 

explain the significant proportion of water bodies classified with low confidence (58% 

of waterbodies). 

Territorial waters were neither monitored nor classified. 

Altogether  39  of  the  41  Priority  Substances  were  monitored  in  water  and  used  for 
status  assessment. This  included all the Priority  Substances identified as  discharged. 

The  monitoring  frequencies  met 
the  recommended  minimum  frequency  for 
surveillance monitoring but not for operational  monitoring. No explanation could be 

found for the reduced frequencies. 

 

For  status  assessment,  Cyprus  clarified  that  mercury  and  hexachlorobenzene,  and 

hexachlorobutadiene  were  monitored  in  biota  in  coastal  waters  at  the  recommended 

minimum frequency. No monitoring of biota was undertaken in surface freshwaters as 
Cyprus has yet to identify a suitable biota species for such monitoring.  

 

According  to  WISE,  Cyprus  did  not  perform  any  monitoring  for  long-term  trend 
assessment. However, Cyprus subsequently clarified that since 2013, the 14 relevant 

Priority Substances are monitored in river sediment. 

  Monitoring,  assessment  and  classification  of  quantitative  status  of  groundwater 

bodies 

 

 

 

All groundwater bodies are now monitored and have a status. 

The groundwater body area failing good status significantly decreased from 92 % of 

the total area to 57 %. 

All  associated  ecosystems  were  considered  although  they  are  not  considered  to  be 

presenting a risk. 

  Monitoring, assessment and classification of chemical status of groundwater bodies 

 

No  surveillance  monitoring  and  no  operational  monitoring  has  been  reported, 
although  73  sites  are  listed  for  monitoring  of  chemical  status.    Cyprus  subsequently 
noted reporting errors and clarified that the chemical monitoring has improved in the 
second RBMP and that chemical status is based on 92 operational monitoring stations. 

All stations are monitored twice a year. 

10 

 
 

 

 

Contrary to the conclusion drawn from the electronic reporting, Cyprus clarified that 

all WFD core substances are monitored in all groundwater bodies. 

Despite the reported information, according to Cyprus, the confidence in status results 

is high and the assessment methodology is clearly described.  

Associated ecosystems have been considered in the status assessment although there 

is no related risk identified. 

 

Designation of Heavily Modified and Artificial Water Bodies and definition of Good 
Ecological Potential 

 

The  methodology  for  heavily  modified  water  body  designation  explains  the 

identification  of  substantial  changes  in  character  as  well  as  provides  information  on 
the assessment of significant adverse effects on the use and the assessment of better 

environmental options. 

 

The focus of the methodology is on river water bodies linked to dams; the two lakes 

and the four coastal water bodies are assessed in less detail and less specific criteria 
are  applied.  For  lakes,  there  is  no  available  data  about  the  status  of  the  biological 

quality  elements.  For  this  reason,  only  the  significance  of  the  hydromorphological 
alterations is considered.  

 

Although good ecological potential is defined on the basis of mitigation measures, it 

has  not  been  defined  yet  in  terms  of  biology  for  rivers.  For  impounded  rivers 
(reservoirs), GEP has been defined in terms of biology in the intercalibration for lakes 
and  the  assessment  of  the  status  of  impounded  rivers  was  carried  out  on  that  basis. 

Furthermore,  the  ecological  changes  expected  from  the  mitigation  measures  in 
biological terms are not described in any quantitative terms.  

 

Environmental objectives and exemptions 

 

 

 

Environmental objectives for ecological  and  chemical  status  of surface  water bodies 

and quantitative and chemical status of groundwater have been reported. 

Drivers, pressures and pollutants leading to exemptions are reported. 

Commission  recommendations  regarding  further  detailed  justifications  for  applying 
Article 4(4) exemptions have been followed. 

11 

 
 

The  application  of  Article  4(7)  exemptions  may  be  an  issue  of  insufficient 

implementation  of  WFD  requirements  as  it  remains  unclear  if  the  reported  process 
covers all steps of Article 4(7). 

 

Programme of Measures 

 

 

Progress has been made with the targeting of measures. 

Cyprus reported that some measures have been completed and clarified subsequently 

that  in  fact  the  majority  of  measures  have  been  completed.  A  lack  of  finance  is  the 

main  obstacle.  More  transparent  information  is  needed  on  how  measures  have  been 
selected and prioritised. Cyprus clarified that the measures included in the Programme 

of  Measures  are  targeted  to  the  significant  pressures  and  formulated  taking  into 
consideration a number of factors including EU and national environmental policies, 

progress  and  experience  of  the  first  Programme  of  Measures,  the  status  of  water 
bodies and the results of the pressure and impact analysis, the financial resources and 

mechanisms  available,  the  technical  feasibility  of  the  measures  needed  and  the 
timescales in which good status should be achieved. 

 

A significant amount of the funds required for the second Programme of Measures has 
been secured from European Union funding. Cyprus has reported that financing is in 

place from relevant sectors. 

 

Not all significant pressures appear to have been addressed by KTMs, and KTMs have 

been reported for significant pressures which have not been reported as causing water 
bodies  to  fail  objectives.  Cyprus  clarified  that  only  the  pressures  with  measurable 

indicators  are  mapped  to  KTMs.  Additionally  only  one  KTM  is  related  to  each 
significant  pressure.  As  a  result  of  this,  some  pressures  for  which  measures  are 

included  in  program  of  measures  are  not  correlated  to  KTMs  and  some  KTMs  that 
could be relevant are not reported in WISE.   

 

National basic and supplementary measures have been mapped against KTMs. Cyprus 
clarified  that  only  the  pressures  with  measurable  indicators  are  mapped  to  KTMs. 

Additionally only one KTM is related to each significant pressure.  As a result of this, 
some  pressures  for  which  measures  are  included  in  program  of  measures  are  not 

correlated to KTMs and some KTMs that could be relevant are not reported in WISE.   

 

The range of KTMs against which national measures have been mapped is limited. 

12 

 
 

 

Cyprus has reported indicators for those pressures where operational KTMs have been 

reported. 

The  RBMP  and  Flood  Risk  Management  Plan  have  not  been  fully  integrated. 

However,  the  WFD  and  Floods  Directive  have  been  co-ordinated  in  terms  of 
consultation, objectives and measures. Financial commitment has been obtained from 

the flood protection sector for the implementation of WFD measures. 

  Measures related to abstractions and water scarcity 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The  Water  Exploitation  Index  +  (2009-2013)  is  73.1  %  for  Cyprus,  which  is  far 

beyond the preliminary European sustainability threshold. 

Direct measurement/monitoring of urban water consumption is in place. 

The  current  method  for  determining  agricultural  water  consumption  still  presents 

weaknesses, and metering control needs improvements. 

A permitting regime and a register of abstractions for surface water and groundwater 

is fixed by law. 

Water efficiency and reuse measures are in place. 

The  control  and  sanction  system  can  be  described  as  rather  weak;  the  illegal 

abstractions phenomenon appears to persist. 

Water pricing for agriculture is not incentive-based, although a new water pricing law 

and system is being implemented. 

  Measures related to pollution from agriculture 

 

 

There is a clear link between agricultural pressures and agricultural measures. 

Management objectives for nutrient pollution and a gap assessment for nutrients has 

been  undertaken.  A  gap  assessment,  regarding  nitrogen,  phosphorus  and  biological 
oxygen  demand,  including  an  evaluation/prediction  of  how  effective  the  measures 

are/would  be  at  reducing  the  pressures  to  the  level  to  achieve  good  status,  was 
performed. 

13 

 
 

 

 

 

Implementation of basic measures Article 11(3)(h) for the control of diffuse pollution 

from agriculture at source has been established across the whole RBD. 

Only  one  supplementary  measure  has  been  included  as  part  of  the  Programme  of 

Measures. 

Safeguard zones for drinking water protection have been established.  

Financing of measures is secured and the costs of the measures are reported. 

  Measures related to pollution from sectors other than agriculture 

 

Cyprus has made progress on the recommendation to accelerate the implementation of 
the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive. 

 

Cyprus  did  not  include  either  KTM15  (Measures  for  the  phasing-out  of  emissions, 

discharges  and  losses  of  Priority  Hazardous  Substances  or  for  the  reduction  of 
emissions,  discharges  and  losses  of  Priority  Substances),  or  KTM16  (Upgrades  or 

improvements of industrial wastewater treatment plants (including farms)) in its list of 
KTMs  addressing  pollution  from  sectors  other  than  agriculture,  despite  the  fact  that 

both  Priority  Substances  and  River  Basin  Specific  Pollutants  could  cause  non-
compliance. 

 

The  Programme  of  Measure  does  not  explicitly  link  measures  to  individual  Priority 
Substances  or  River  Basin  Specific  Pollutants  causing  failure  of  objectives.  Cyprus 

subsequently  pointed  out  that  55  specific  measures  to  tackle  Priority  Substances  and 
River Basin Specific Pollutants are included in the Programme of Measures, in addition 

to some relevant horizontal measures. Especially, 10 out of 55 measures included in the 
Programme of Measures are specific to tackle Priority Substances. 

  Measures related to hydromorphology 

 

According  to  information  subsequently  provided  by  Cyprus,  a  methodology  for  the 
assessment  of  hydromorphological  pressures  has  been  developed  for  the  second 

RBMP.  In  addition,  during 
the  first  cycle,  authorities  have  registered  all 
hydromorphological  pressures  and  a  regulation  and  licensing  framework  has  been 

established for activities potentially leading to hydromorphological alterations. In the 
second RBMP, 43 % of the surface water bodies classified with ecological status less 

than good are facing significant hydromorphological pressures and relevant measures 

14 

 
are included in the program of measures to tackle them. Monitoring activities are still 

ongoing  to  verify  measure  effectiveness,  e.g.  on  the  ecological  effectiveness  of 
ecological flows and studies on fish fauna. 

 

Ecological  flows  have  been  derived  and  implemented  for  all  relevant  water  bodies. 
For  the  preparation  of  the  second  RBMP,  a  specific  analysis  was  conducted  for  the 

identification  of  the  e-flows  in  heavily  modified  river  water  bodies  downstream  of 
dams  with  the aim of achieving  good ecological  potential. This  is  used to formulate 

three relevant measures for the determination of environmental flows in selected dams 
(release  environmental  flows  downstream  of  dams,  release  environmental  flows 

targeted in selected sites of significant ecological importance and release flood flows 
in selected dams), which define the standards for ecological flows in Cyprus.  

 

The  specific  KTM23  on  Natural  Water  Retention  Measures  is  not  reported  as 
operational  to  tackle  any  significant  pressures  in  the  second  RBMP.  However,  the 

RBMP  refers  to  synergies  with  measures  taken  under  the  Flood  Risk  Management 
Plan  (FRMP).  According  to  information  provided  by  Cyprus  during  the  assessment, 

Natural Water Retention Measures are included in the FRMP where appropriate. 

 

Economic analysis and water pricing policies  

 

 

 

 

Environmental  and  resource  costs  have  been  calculated  and  attributed  to  the  water 

users to a certain extent. 

No information on the incentive function of the water pricing policies was reported in 

the RBMP but a new water pricing law/system has since been implemented to cover 

the water pricing requirements of the WFD. 

No information on the application of the polluter pays principle was reported. 

A rather broad definition of water services has been used. 

 

Considerations  specific  to  Protected  Areas  (identification,  monitoring,  objectives 

and measures) 

 

A  detailed  and  comprehensive  description  of  the  regulation  in  safeguard  zones  is 

provided. 

15 

 
 

The  plan  includes  information  about  monitoring  specifically  for  protected  areas, 

which  has  been  put  in  place  in  accordance  with  the  requirements  of  the  various 
Directives. 

 

Adaptation to drought and climate change 

 

 

 

The Common Implementation Strategy guidance document on how to adapt to climate 
change was used for preparing the RBMP.  

KTM  24  -  Adaptation  to  climate  change  is  not  operational;  but  according  to  the 

information  provided  by  Cyprus  several  measures  are  strongly  linked  to  climate 
change effects. 

A  drought  management  plan  including  key  measures  exists  and  is  aligned  with  the 
RBMP. 

16 

 
 
 
 
Recommendations  

 

 

The  preparation  of  the  third  RBMPs  should  be  carried  out  in  accordance  with  the 

WFD timetable, to ensure that they are adopted on time. 

Cyprus  should  continue  to  improve  the  quality  of  monitoring  by  increasing  the 
number  of  sites  and  by  monitoring  all  relevant  quality  elements,  finalising  the 

measure aimed at investigating the fish fauna in rivers. 

 

Cyprus  made  significant  progress  in  the  characterisation  of  water  bodies.  However, 

further work is  still needed on the apportionment  of significant  pressures  on surface 
and  groundwater  bodies  among  different  sectors.  Further  information  should  be 

provided  on  the  methodologies  used  to  define  significant  pressures  and  on  the 
thresholds to define the significance of pressures. 

 

The assessment specifically of the lake and coastal water bodies needs to be improved 

in  terms  of  biology.  In  case  water  bodies  achieve  good  status  they  need  to  be 
designated as natural water bodies. Associating abstractions as "substantial changes in 

character"  needs  to  be  reconsidered  in  the  context  of  relevant  principles  in  the 
Common Implementation Strategy Guidance Document No. 4. 

 

 

 

The  surveillance  monitoring  of  lakes  should  be  improved  and  lakes  should  also  be 
included in operational monitoring.  

Cyprus  should  have  a  clear  and  transparent  method  for  the  selection  of  River  Basin 
Specific Pollutants. 

Cyprus should continue improving the confidence in the assessment of surface water 
chemical  status  for  all  water  categories  (including  territorial  waters,  whose  status 

should  be  assessed),  and  further  reduce  the  proportion  of  unknown  status.  In 
particular, monitoring should be performed in a way that provides sufficient temporal 

resolution  and  spatial  coverage  to  classify  all  water  bodies  (in  combination  if 
necessary  with  robust  grouping  /extrapolation  methods),  all  Priority  Substances 

should  be  considered  in  the  assessment  of  status,  in  the  relevant  matrix.  If  reduced 
frequencies  or  a  different  matrix  are  used,  corresponding  explanations  should  be 

provided, as required by the Directive. 

17 

 
 

Cyprus  should  perform  trend  monitoring  in  sediment  and/or  biota,  to  ensure  that  all 

the  relevant  substances  specified  in  Directive  2008/105/EC  are  monitored  in  a  way 
that provides sufficient temporal resolution and spatial coverage. 

 

Cyprus  should  increase  utilisation  of  metering  (especially  for  agriculture)  to  better 
determine  the  quantitative  status  of  water  bodies  and  to  secure  their  long-term 

protection  considering  that  abstraction  of  groundwater  is  a  significant  pressure  in 
Cyprus, mainly due to unregulated self-abstractions, and permits requiring alignment 

with environmental constraints. 

 

The  increase  of  the  application  of  Article  4(4)  exemptions  between  the  first  and  the 

second  cycle  is  an  issue  of  concern.  Efforts  need  to  be  continued  to  ensure  the 

implementation  of  an  ambitious  program  of  measures  in  order  to  ensure  the  timely 
achievement of the WFD objectives. 

 

Further  progress  is  needed  regarding  the  possible  use  of  exemptions  according  to 
Article 4(7) in order to ensure thorough assessment of proposed new projects in line 

with  the  requirements  of  the  WFD  and  as  further  specified  by  the  Judgment  of  the 
Court in  case C-461/13.  An ex-ante assessment of the expected effects  of a planned 

project at quality element level is required. In case deterioration / non-achievement of 
good  status  /  potential  is  expected,  all  the  conditions  as  outlined  under  Article  4(7) 

need to be fulfilled and thoroughly justified for the authorisation of a project.  

 

 

Cyprus  should  ensure  that  KTMs  are  reported  for  all  significant  pressures  causing 

failure of objectives, and include KTM15 and KTM16 where relevant.  

Cyprus  should  ensure  full  implementation  of  measures  and  law  enforcement  to 

address over-exploitation of groundwater bodies, tackling water demand problems and 
illegal  abstractions.  It  should promote more efficient  irrigation networks, less water-

intensive crops, and maximise water reuse.   

 

In the third RBMPs, it should be stated clearly to what extent, in terms of area covered 

and pollution risk mitigated, basic measures (minimum requirements to be complied 

with)  or  supplementary  measures  (designed  to  be  implemented  in  addition  to  basic 
measures) will contribute to achieving the WFD objectives. Sources of funding should 

be  identified  (e.g.  CAP  Pillar  1,  Rural  Development  Programmes-RDP),  as 
appropriate, to facilitate successful implementation of these measures.  

18 

 
 

Cyprus should continue to review and develop the strategy for the delivery of WFD 

objectives,  in  cooperation  with  the  farming  community  and  Cypriot  CAP  delivery 
authorities, to ensure the third RBMP is technically feasible and all relevant policies 

and instruments  (e.g. RDP,  CAP Pillar 1, Nitrates  Directive) contribute  significantly 
to  RBMPs.  Irrigation  investments  made  through  the  RDP  must  be  carried  out  to 

ensure water saved goes back to restore depleted aquifers. 

 

 

 

 

Cyprus  should  improve  how  it  reports  the  links  between  KTMs  and  tackling 

individual chemical pollutants.  

All  on-going  and  planned  measures  should  be  included  in  the  next  programme  of 

measures. 

Cyprus  should  continue  to  apply  cost  recovery  for  water  use  activities  having  a 
significant  impact  on  water  bodies  or  justify  any  exemptions  using  Article  9(4).  It 

should  continue  to  transparently  present  how  financial,  environmental  and  resource 
costs have been calculated and how the adequate contribution of the different users is 

ensured.  It  should  also  continue  to  transparently  present  water-pricing  policy  results 
and provide a transparent overview of estimated investments and investment needs. 

Further work is needed in order to set additional objectives for all relevant Protected 
Areas.  Cyprus  should  also  plan  a  complete  monitoring  programme  for  all  relevant 

Protected Areas. 

19 

 
 
 
Topic 1

 Governance and public participation 

1.1 Assessment of implementation and compliance with WFD requirements 
in second cycle 

1.1.1  Administrative arrangements – river basin districts 

Cyprus has one RBD that covers the country’s whole territory. 

Cyprus  did  not  adopt  and  publish  the  RBMP  in  accordance  with  the  timetable  in  the  Water 

Framework  Directive:  according  to  the  information  reported  to  WISE,  the  RBMP  was 
published in October 2016. 

1.1.2  Administrative arrangements – competent authorities 

Cyprus  has  reported  one  Competent  Authority, 

the  Ministry  of  Agriculture,  Rural 

Development  and  Environment.  The  Ministry  holds  all  the  main  roles  for  the  RBMP: 
monitoring  and  assessment  of  status  for  both  groundwater  and  surface  water,  pressure  and 

impact analysis, economic analysis, preparation of the RBMP and the Programme of Measures, 
public  participation,  implementation  of  measures,  coordination  of  implementation  and 

reporting to the European Commission. 

1.1.3  River  Basin  Management  plans  –  structure  and  Strategic  Environmental 

Assessment 

No sub-plans were prepared for the RBMP. 

A  Strategic  Environmental  Assessment  was  undertaken  for  the  RBMP  and  Programme  of 
Measures. 

1.1.4 

Public consultation 

The public and interested parties were informed of the consultation of the RBMP via Internet, 
invitations  to  stakeholders,  local  authorities,  media  (papers,  TV  and/or  radio),  meetings  and 
written  consultation.  Documents  were  available  for  download,  and  were  available  for  the 

required  6  months.  Cyprus  informed  that  consultation  on  the  draft  RBMP  was  open  to  all 
stakeholders,  and  all  documents  were  uploaded  for  consultation  on  the  website  of  the  WDD 
(Water Development Department). 

Three  types  of  stakeholder  groups  were  actively  involved  in  the  development  of  the  RBMP: 
local/regional  authorities,  NGOs/nature  protection  and  water  supply  and  sanitation.  These 

20 

 
stakeholders  were  involved  via  advisory  groups,  involvement  in  drafting  and  a  workshop.  It 

can be noted that energy/hydropower, industry and fisheries/aquaculture stakeholders had been 
reported as being actively involved in the preparation of the first RBMP but were not reported 

in the second cycle. 

Cyprus  informed  that  seven  open  meetings  were  organized  in  different  cities  to  inform  the 

public. Invitations were open to all stakeholders covering all the main sectors of activities such 
as water supply, sanitation, agriculture, industry, NGOs, consumers and local authorities. The 

participants in these meetings were mainly from sectors such as water supply, agriculture, local 
municipal  authorities  and  consumers.  From  sectors  like  energy,  industry,  and  fisheries  only 

representatives from the competent Authorities participated.   

Public  consultation  led  to  the  addition  of  new  information,  adjustment  to  specific  measures, 

commitment to action in the next RBMP and the addition of new river water bodies. 

1.1.5 

Integration  with  the  Floods  Directive  and  the  Marine  Strategy  Framework 

Directive 

Cyprus  held  a  joint  consultation  of  its  RBMP  and  Flood  Risk  Management  Plan  under  the 
Floods Directive1 but did not co-ordinate consultation of the RBMP with the Marine Strategy 
Framework Directive2. 

Cyprus  informed  that  during  the  preparation  and  the  consultation  of  the  second  RBMP,  the 

programme of measures  for the implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive 
was under formulation. For this reason, in the Programme of Measures of the second RBMP, it 

is  clearly  noted  that  the  measures  formulated  for  the  implementation  of  the  Marine  Strategy 
Framework Directive are considered as supplementary to the second RBMP. This statement is 

also included in the second RBMP.  

1.1.6 

International coordination and co-operation  

The Cyprus RBD does not share catchments with other Member States or with other countries. 

1.2.  Main changes in implementation and compliance since first cycle 

No significant changes were observed.  

1   Directive 2007/60/EC on the assessment and management of flood risks entered into force on 26 November 

2007 http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32007L0060 

2   Directive  2008/56/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  17  June  2008  establishing  a 
framework  for  community  action  in  the  field  of  marine  environmental  policy  (Marine  Strategy  Framework 
Directive) http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32008L0056  

21 

 
                                                      
Although  reporting  to  WISE  suggests  that  public  consultation  appeared  to  be  less  broad  in 

terms of involvement of stakeholders compared to the first cycle (energy, industry and fisheries 
stakeholders were actively involved in the first RBMP but were not reported as being actively 

involved  in  the  second  cycle),  Cyprus  informed  that  for  the  second  cycle,  only  the  main 
stakeholders that participated in the meetings or provided feedback for the preparation of the 

second RBMP were reported. 

1.3

   Progress with Commission recommendations 

There were no recommendations based on the first RBMPs and first Programme of Measures. 

22 

 
 
 
Topic 2

 Characterisation of the River Basin District 

2.1

Assessment  of 
requirements in second cycle  

implementation  and  compliance  with  WFD 

2.1.1  Delineation  of  water  bodies  and  designation  of  heavily  modified  and  artificial 

water bodies 

There have been significant reductions in the number of lake and river water bodies delineated 
between the two cycles (Table 2.1). Overall, Cyprus designated 216 river water bodies for the 

first  cycle.  For  the  second  cycle,  174  were  identified,  similarly  for  lake  water  bodies  the 
number  decreased  from  18  to  8.  The  reasons  provided  in  the  RBMP  for  these  changes  were 

that  the  typology  was  revised  allowing  merging  of  water  bodies  that  previously  were  of 
different types and splitting of water bodies that previously were of the same type, as well as 

the  availability  of  new  monitoring  data.  The  RBMP  also  reported  that  some  lakes  were  re-
delineated as rivers because they were river reservoirs3.  

Table 2.1 

Number and area/length of delineated surface water bodies in Cyprus for the 
second and first cycles 

Lakes 

Rivers 

Coastal 

Year 

RBD 

Number of 
water 
bodies 

Total area 
(km2) of 
water 
bodies 

Number of 
water 
bodies 

2016 

2010 

CY001 

CY001 

8 

18 

20 

28 

174 

216 

Total 
length of 
water body 
(km) 

1,777 

2,579 

Number of 
water 
bodies 

22 

26 

Total area 
(km2) of 
water 
bodies 

869 

865 

Source: WISE electronic reports 

There was also a decrease in the number of coastal water bodies, though the total area of the 

coastal  water  bodies  slightly  increased  in  the  second  RBMP  compared  to  the  first  RBMP 
indicating that the average size of the water bodies increased in the second  RBMP. This was a 

result  of  studies  which  proposed  the  merging  of  neighbouring  coastal  water  bodies,  new 
monitoring data and to enable better targeting of measures.  

3 Cyrus subsequently noted that in the first RBMP, 11 impounded rivers were reported as lakes and for the second 
cycle  these  water  bodies  are  reported  as  river  water  bodies  according  to  CIS  guidance.  Cyprus  stated  that 
another  four  impounded  rivers  were  added  as  river  water  bodies.  Cyprus  clarified  that  the  changes  in 
methodology are described in the RBMP and the changes derived were also presented to the public during the 
consultation carried out for the results derived after the revisions according to article 5 of the RBMP (Article 
14(1) b of WFD) and during the consultation of the Draft RBMP (Article 14(1)(c) of the WFD).   

23 

 
 
 
                                                      
Table 2.2 shows the differences in size distribution of surface water bodies in Cyprus between 
the  first  and  second  cycles.  The  RBMP  also  reported  that  the  size  threshold  used  for  the 
delineation  of  water  bodies  has  changed  since  the  first  cycle4.  The  minimum  size  criteria 
reported for rivers was 10 km2 in terms of catchment area but the minimum size for lakes was 
not reported.  

Table 2.2 

Size  distribution  of  surface  water  bodies  in  Cyprus  in  the  second  and  first 

cycles  

Lake area (km2) 

River length (km) 

Coastal (km2) 

Year 

RBD 

Mini-
mum 

Maxi-
mum 

Aver-
age 

2016  CY001 

0.06 

10.06 

2.52 

Mini-
mum 

0.03 
(0.26) 

Maxi-
mum 

3.33 
(53.3) 

Aver-
age 

Mini-
mum 

Maxi-
mum 

Aver-
age 

0.79 

4.02 

87.13 

39.5 

2010  CY001 

0.03 

10.05 

1.58 

0.21 

85.61 

11.94 

2.91 

79.67 

33.27 

Source: WISE electronic reports. Values in parentheses were supplied by Cyprus as the values reported 
to WISE are areas rather than lengths. 

There was an increase in the proportion of rivers that were designated as heavily modified in 

the second RBMP (29 %) compared to the first RBMP (23 %): this was also accompanied by a 
decrease in the number of natural rivers and an overall decrease in the total number of rivers 
identified (Figure 2.1). The number and proportion of heavily modified lake and coastal water 

bodies decreased significantly between the two cycles. 

4   Cyprus subsequently clarified that smaller lakes, which contribute to the biodiversity and are included in the 
Natura 2000 Network, were also delineated as water bodies: in the second RMBP one more lake smaller than 
0.5 km2 (lake Oroklini) was added for the same reason. 

24 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                      
Figure 2.1 

Proportion of surface water bodies in Cyprus designated as artificial, heavily 
modified and natural for the second and first cycles. Note that the numbers in 

parenthesis are the numbers of water bodies in each water category  

Source: WISE electronic reports. 

There  was  also  an  increase  of  one  in  the  number  of  groundwater  bodies  delineated  in  the 

second RBMP though the total area of groundwater bodies decreased, Table 2.3. 

Table 2.3 

Number and area of delineated groundwater bodies in Cyprus for the second 
and first cycle.  

Year 

RBD 

Number 

2016 

CY001 

2010 

CY001 

21 

20 

Area (km2) 

Minimum 

Maximum 

Average 

1.9 

2,396.95 

284.97 

2 

2,385.00 

313.05 

Source: WISE electronic reports. 

Groundwater  bodies  were  reported  to  be  split  because  there  were  different  pressures  and  to 
allow for the better targeting of measures, or because of their differing geological environment 

and better knowledge of groundwater since the first cycle, and more monitoring data.  

Table 2.4 summarises the information provided by Cyprus on how water bodies have evolved 

between the two cycles.  

25 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Table 2.4 

Type of change in delineation of groundwater and surface water bodies in 
Cyprus between the second and first cycles 

Type of water body change for 
second cycle 

Groundwater 
Body 

Lake Water 
Body 

River 
Water Body 

Coastal 
Water Body 

Aggregation 

splitting 

Aggregation and splitting 

ExtendedArea 

Creation 

Deletion 

Change in code 

No change 

Total water bodies before deletion 

Delineated for second cycle (after 
deletion from first cycle) 

6 

2 

15 

23 

21 

1 

69 

8 

14 (10 rivers 
line + 4 
impounded 
rivers) 

105 

82 (71 rivers 
line and 11 
impounded 
rivers) 

279 (264 
rivers line + 
15 
impounded 
rivers) 

174 (159 
rivers line 
+15 
impounded 
rivers)  

3 

1 

2 

11 

7 

25 

22 

1 

6 

1 

8 

8 

Source: WISE electronic reports. Information in brackets was subsequently provided by Cyprus.  

The water body type with the most changes was river water bodies, with water bodies defined 

(n = 14), and removed (n = 105). However, there may be some issues with the data in  Table 
2.4, as there do not appear to have been 105 river water bodies removed since the first cycle. 

No information on consequences of the changes in re-delineation were reported in the RBMP, 
but  it is  likely that the status  assessments  for surface  water  and  groundwater bodies between 

the two cycles are not directly comparable. 

2.1.2  Typology of surface water bodies 

There have been changes in the typology of water bodies reported by Cyprus between the two 
cycles. One new type has been reported for coastal  waters covering both  natural  and heavily 

modified  water  bodies.  There  has  been  a  reduction  of  lake  types  from  four  in  the  first  cycle 

26 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
RBMP to three in the second RBMP, type code L4 was not reported in the second RBMP5. The 
RBMP  mentions  that  no  significant  changes  have  taken  place  in  the  typology  of  lake  and 

coastal water bodies. 

Table 2.5 

Number of surface water body types at RBD level in Cyprus for the first 
and second cycles 

RBD 

Rivers 

Lakes 

Coastal 

2010 

2016 

2010 

2016 

2010 

2016 

CY001 

3 

4 

4 

3 

3 

4 

Note that the total is not the sum of the types in each RBD as some types are shared by RBDs. 

Source: WISE electronic reports.  

Four  river  types  were  reported  in  the  second  RBMP  and  only  three  in  the  first  RBMP:  the 
coding  of  all  types  was  different  for  each  cycle.  In  the  second  cycle  the  river  water  body 

typology  has  been  revised  and  the  following  four  types  have  been  derived;  P  -  Perennial 
mountain streams; I - Intermittent streams; Ih - Harsh intermittent streams; and E - Ephemeral / 

episodic streams. The RBMP reported that the river typology and the river water bodies used 
for the first  cycle revealed significant  disadvantages during the implementation  of the WFD. 
There  were  issues  with  the  lack  of  knowledge  about  the  different  types  of  rivers.  It  was 

therefore decided to develop new typologies for rivers.  

The  first  RBMP  did  not  provide  information  on  the  validation  of  surface  water  types  with 

biological data, the methodology described only referred to abiotic elements. At the time when 
the  typology  was  devised  no  biological  data  were  available  for  Cyprus’  freshwaters. 

Consequently,  no  validation  against  such  data  was  possible.  Work  was  on-going  on  the 
validation  during  the  first  cycle.  For  river  water  body  types,  the  temporary  stream  regime 

(TSR)-Tool,  was  used,  to  relate  the  four  types  to  biological  communities  for  the  WFD-
monitoring. It was stated that type E cannot be made biologically relevant because appropriate 

methods do not yet exist. No specific information was provided for the other types. 

All four national coastal water types have the same equivalent intercalibration type. The three 
lake  types  covering  all  eight  lake  water  bodies  do  not  have  equivalent  intercalibration  types. 
Two  common  river  intercalibration  types  have  been  used  to  intercalibrate  the  three  national 

5 Cyprus subsequently clarified that the difference in the number of lake types is due to their change to river water 
bodies. L4 was a lake type for water reservoirs up to the first RBMP; in the second RBMP the water reservoirs 
were  reported  as  rivers  under  the  original  river  type  of  the  river  stretch  where  the  reservoir  is  now  located. 
Therefore, L4 does not appear any more in the second RBMP. 

27 

 
 
                                                      
river types, each of which include both natural and heavily modified water bodies6. The forth 
river type has no equivalent intercalibration type equating to 6 % of total river water bodies7. 

2.1.3  Establishment of reference conditions for surface water bodies 

Table  2.6  shows  the  percentage  of  surface  water  body  types  in  Cyprus  with  reference 

conditions established for the first and second cycles. Reference conditions have not been set 
for any quality  element  for the lakes in  Cyprus.  The second RBMP referred to  a project  that 
was ongoing for the establishment of reference conditions for lake water bodies in Cyprus8. 

Table 2.6 

Percentage of surface water body types in Cyprus with reference conditions 
established for all, some and none of the biological, hydromorphological and 
physicochemical quality elements. Numbers in parenthesis are the number of types in 
each category 

Water category  Water types 

Biological quality 
elements 

Hydromorphologic
al quality elements 

Physicochemical 
quality elements 

Lakes (3) 

Rivers (4) 

Coastal (4) 

All 

Some 

None 

All 

Some 

None 

All 

Some 

None 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

100% 

Source: WISE electronic reports 

100% 

100% 

100% 

6  Cyrpus  subsequently  clarified  that  the  new  river  types  fit  with  the  results  of  the  Intercalibration  exercise  for 
Cyprus and there are direct relationships between the old national types, the intercalibration types and the new 
national types as it is shown in the following table: 

Old national type (1st RBMP) 
R2 (perennial) 
R1, R3 (temporary) 

IC type 
R-M4 
R-M5 

New national type (2nd RBMP) 
P 
I 
(Ih streams in years when flow period 
allows assessment of these streams) 

7  Cyprus subsequently clarified that for ephemeral/episodic streams (Type E) a special study was carried out in 
order to investigate the appropriate methods for the assessment of biological quality elements according to WFD 
requirements.  Cyprus  stated  that  the  report  concluded  that  Type  E  river  water  bodies  are  not  biologically 
relevant and appropriate methods do not yet exist.  

8  Cyprus  subsequently  highlighted  that  the  project  has  finished  in  December  2015  and  reference  conditions  for 
lakes  were  established  and  a  complementary  (follow-up)  project  has  finished  in  December  2016,  where  the 
definition  of  the  reference  conditions  was  further  refined  and  updated.  Cyprus  stated  that  these  reference 
conditions for lakes will be applied for the third RBMP. 

28 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                      
 
 
For all four river types, reference conditions have been established for some but not all of the 
relevant  biological,  hydromorphological  and  physicochemical  quality  elements.  In  terms  of 

coastal water types, reference conditions have been established for all physicochemical quality 
elements for all types, for some but not all biological quality elements in all types and for no 

hydromorphological quality elements in all types. There are, therefore, still significant gaps in 
the establishment of reference conditions for lake water bodies9 in Cyprus. This casts doubt on 
the  reliability  and  comparability  of  the  assessment  and  classification  of  the  ecological 
status/potential of all water bodies in Cyprus. 

2.1.4  Characteristics of groundwater bodies 

Cyprus reported details of the main geological formation of the aquifer type and whether or not 

the  groundwater  bodies  are  layered  for  all  their  groundwater  bodies.  67  %  and  5  %  of 
groundwater  bodies  in  Cyprus  were  reported  to  be  linked  to  surface  water  bodies  and  to 

terrestrial ecosystems, respectively. 

2.1.5 

Significant pressures on water bodies 

Nine significant pressure types affected river water bodies in the second RBMP; with diffuse 
other pressures affecting 48 % of river water bodies and diffuse agriculture 47 % (Figure 2.2). 

Four  significant  pressures  affected  lakes  in  the  second  RBMP  with  diffuse  agricultural 
pressures  affecting  all  eight  water  bodies.  No  significant  pressures  were  reported  to  be 

affecting coastal waters. 

The  RBMP  reported  that  a  revision  of  the  pressures  and  impacts  on  the  surface  water  and 

groundwater  was  completed.  There  have  been  significant  changes  in  the  numbers  of  water 
bodies  delineated  in  Cyprus  between  the  two  cycles  with  changes  in  coding  and  there  have 

been  significant  changes  in  the  definition  and  reporting  of  pressure  types.  It  is,  therefore, 
difficult to make quantitative comparisons between the two cycles. At the aggregated pressures 

level, 43 (20 %) of river water bodies were affected by point source pollution in the first cycle 
RBMP;  in  the  second  RBMP  it  was  18  (10  %)  of  river  water  bodies  affected.  In  the  first  

RBMP,  104  (46  %)  river  and  8  (44  %)  lake  water  bodies  were  affected  by  diffuse  source 
pressures;  in  the  second  RBMP  it  was  116  (67  %)  river  and  8  (100  %)  lake  water  bodies 
affected. Overall, there was an increase in the reporting of diffuse pressures and a decrease in 

hydromorphological pressures (Figure 2.3). 

9 Cyprus  subsequently noted that all necessary actions  were made  to fill the  gaps concerning the BQE methods 
and  as  a  result  for  the  assessment  of  the  ecological  status  in  river  water  bodies,  three  BQEs  were  defined: 
Benthic  macroinvertebrates  (Composition  and  abundance),  Aquatic  flora  -  phytobenthos  (diatoms)  and 
macrophytes (Composition and abundance), and Fish (Composition and abundance). 

29 

 
                                                      
Three  significant  pressure  types  were  reported  to  be  affecting  groundwater  in  the  second 
RBMP (Figure 2.2). The most significant in terms of the proportion of water bodies affected 

was abstraction or flow diversion pressures (71 % of groundwater bodies), followed by diffuse 
agriculture and diffuse pollution from discharges not connected to sewerage network (both 19 

%). 

In  the  first  RBMP  Cyprus  reported  five  significant  (aggregated)  pressure  types  affecting 

groundwater bodies. The largest proportion (95 %) was affected by diffuse sources followed by 
abstraction  pressures  (85  %)  and  saltwater  intrusion  (65  %).  For  the  same  reasons  as  for 

surface waters, it is difficult to compare pressures on groundwater between the two cycles. In 
the first RBMP 95 % of groundwater bodies were reported to be affected by diffuse pressures, 

in the second RBMP (at the aggregated pressure level) it was 33 %: it is unlikely that the two 
values are comparable. 

30 

 
 
 
Figure 2.2 

The  most  significant  pressures  on  surface  water  bodies  and  groundwater 
bodies in Cyprus for the second cycle  

Source: WISE electronic reports 

31 

 
 
 
 
Figure 2.3  Comparison of pressures on surface water bodies in Cyprus in the first and 
second cycles. Pressures presented at the aggregated level. Note there were 

204 identified surface water bodies for the second cycle and 260 for the first 
cycle 

Source: WISE electronic reports 

2.1.6  Definition and assessment of significant pressures on surface and groundwater 

For  the  second  RBMP  a  combination  of  both  numerical  tools  and  expert  judgment  were 
reported to have been used to assess point source, diffuse source and pressures on water flow 

on  surface  water  bodies.  Numerical  tools  were  used  to  assess  water  abstraction  pressures.  A 
combination of both  numerical  tools and expert judgment were reported to  be used to  assess 

pressures on groundwater. The significance of pressures on surface water and on groundwater 
was defined in terms of thresholds and was linked to the potential failure of objectives.  

No  information  was  provided  in  the  RBMP  regarding  any  changes  to  the  methodologies  or 
criteria  for  defining  significant  pressures.  No  information  on  the  threshold  used  to  define 
significance was found in the RBMP either10,11.   

10  Cyprus  subsequently  informed  that  a  methodology  for  the  evaluation  of  the  significance  of  pressures  in 
groundwater  bodies  and  surface  water  bodies  has  been  developed  and  explained  in  the  RBMP.  The 
methodologies  are  reported  in  detail  in  the  report  for  the  revision  of  pressure  and  impacts  according  to  the 
provisions  of  article  5  -  chapter  19  pp  from  365  to  398  (document  Pressures_CY_2014.pdf  uploaded  in 
WISE). 

11  Cyprus also informed that thresholds were used for nitrogen in groundwater: If the percentage of total nitrogen 
is >30% the pressure is classified as significant. Cyprus also gave examples for surface water whereby from 
the statistical analysis the following were extracted: nitrogen is used for uncontrolled landfills and agricultural 
activities, while the critical value for the BOD5 is used for the determination of the significance of pressures 
from livestock activities, municipal wastewaters and aquaculture. 

32 

 
 
                                                      
2.1.7 

Significant impacts on water bodies  

Figure 2.4 shows the significant impacts on surface water and groundwater bodies in Cyprus 

for the second cycle. For surface waters “no significant impact” was reported 48 % of the time. 
The most common impact on surface waters was altered habitats due to morphological changes 

(includes connectivity) (26 %), followed by nutrient pollution (18 %). In 76 % of groundwater 
bodies  abstraction  exceeds  available  groundwater  resource.  43  %  of  groundwater  bodies  are 

affected by saline intrusion and 33 % by chemical pollution. 

33 

 
                                                                                                                                                        
  
Figure 2.4 

Significant impacts on surface water and groundwater bodies in Cyprus for 
the second cycle. Percentages of numbers of water bodies  

Source: WISE electronic reports 

2.1.8  Groundwater bodies at risk of not meeting good status 

One third of groundwater bodies were reported to be at risk of failing to be in good chemical 
status because of seven different pollutants and one other determinant (electrical conductivity). 

The pollutant affecting most groundwater bodies was nitrate (33 %). 

76 % of groundwater bodies were at risk of not  being in  good quantitative status with saline 

intrusion causing the risk in 43 % and water balance in 76 % of these groundwater bodies. 

34 

 
 
 
 
 
2.1.9  Quantification of gap and apportionment of pressures 

The  gap  to  the  achievement  of  objectives  in  groundwater  have  been  reported  for  one 

(Abstraction or flow diversion - Agriculture) of the three significant pressures on groundwater: 
the two pressures without a reported gap are diffuse source pressures from agriculture and from 

discharges not connected to the sewerage network.  

A table is included in the RBMP for every surface water body that has a significant pressure 

identified  that  can  affect  its  status  and  the  sector  the  pressure  related  to.  Gaps  have  been 
reported  for  one  sector/activity  causing  diffuse  pollution  -  agriculture.  The  other  three 

responsible  sectors  had  no  gaps  reported.  Abstraction  pressures  and  gaps  have  been 
apportioned  between  the  two  responsible  sectors  (agriculture  and  public  water  supply)  and 

point sources between three of the four responsible sectors (urban waste water, waste disposal 
sites and mine waters) but not for aquaculture12. Gaps have also been reported for two pressure 
types arising from physical alteration of channel/bed/riparian area/shore and three arising from 
dams,  barriers  and  locks  even  though  these  specific  pressures  were  not  reported  at  the  water 

body level. 

No gaps were reported for chemical substances causing failure of status objectives even though 

seven pollutants  were reported to  be causing failure of  good chemical  status  in  groundwater, 
one River Basin Specific Pollutant causing failing of good ecological status/potential and six 
Priority Substances causing failure of good chemical status in surface water bodies13. 

2.1.10  Inventories of emissions, discharges and losses of chemical substances 

Article  5  of  the  Environmental  Quality  Standards  Directive  (EQS  Directive)14  requires 
Member  States  to  establish  an  inventory  of  emissions,  discharges  and  losses  of  all  Priority 

Substances and the eight other pollutants listed in Part A of Annex I EQS Directive for each 
RBD, or part thereof, lying within their territory. This inventory should allow Member States 

to further target measures to tackle pollution from priority substances. It should also inform the 
review  of  the  monitoring  networks,  and  allow  the  assessment  of  progress  made  in  reducing 

12   Cyprus subsequently clarified that pressures related to significant loads were prioritised, thus indicator gap for 
diffuse  pressures  from  agriculture  is  selected  to  be  reported  instead  of  discharges  not  connected  to  the 
sewerage  network,  as  the  loads  derived  from  agriculture  are  ten  times  greater  (pp.  314-315  of  the 
Pressures_CY_2014.pdf uploaded in WISE). Furthermore, Cyprus stated that a big effort was made in order to 
formulate  indicators  that  are  related  to  pressures  concerning  a  significant  number  of  water  bodies  failing  to 
achieve good status.  

13   Cyprus  subsequently  clarified  that  for  chemical  substances  causing  failure  of  status  only  their  presence  and 

their concentration in affected water bodies are known and not the indicator gap.     

14   Directive 2008/105/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on environmental 
quality  standards  in  the  field  of  water  policy,  amending  and  subsequently  repealing  Council  Directives 
82/176/EEC, 83/513/EEC, 84/156/EEC, 84/491/EEC, 86/280/EEC and amending Directive 2000/60/EC of the 
European Parliament and of the Council: 
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:02008L0105-20130913 

35 

 
                                                      
(respectively  suppressing)  emissions,  discharges  and 
(respectively priority hazardous substances). 

losses  for  priority  substances 

Cyprus reported that all Priority Substances had been included in an inventory of discharges, 
emissions  and  losses.  The  cyclodiene  pesticides  and  polycyclic  aromatic  hydrocarbons  were 

reported as grouped determinants rather than as individual component substances. 

The two step approach from the Common Implementation Strategy Guidance Document n°2815 
has been followed for all substances considered in the inventories. For substances deemed not 
relevant  at  RBD  level,  Tier  1  of  the  methodology  was  implemented  (consideration  of  point 

sources  only).  Tier  1  to  4  was  implemented  for  all  substances  identified  as  relevant  at  RBD 
level, in accordance with the Guidance Document. The data quality was assessed as good.  

2.2

  Main changes in implementation and compliance since first cycle 

The RBMP reported that the river typology and the river water bodies used for the first cycle 

revealed significant disadvantages during the implementation of the WFD. There were issues 
with the lack of knowledge about the different types of rivers. Another drawback was the fact 

that the characterization of river water bodies did not adequately respond to the pressures on 
water bodies. In the light of this it was decided to establish a new network of river bodies with 

a new typology for rivers. 

There have been significant reductions in the number of lake and river water bodies delineated 

between the two cycles. Overall, Cyprus designated 216 river water bodies for the first cycle: 
for the second cycle 174 were identified. Similarly for lake water bodies the number decreased 
from 18 to 8 which was due to reservoirs being reclassified as river water bodies as per CIS 

guidance. There was also a decrease in the number of coastal water bodies though the total area 
of the coastal water bodies slightly increased in the second RBMP compared to the first RBMP 

indicating that the average size of the water bodies increased in the second RBMP. There was 
also an increase by one in the number of groundwater bodies delineated in the second RBMP 

though the total area of groundwater body decreased. 

There was an increase in the proportion of rivers that were designated as heavily modified in 

the second RBMP (29 %) compared to the first RBMP (23 %): this was also accompanied by a 
decrease in the number of natural rivers and an overall decrease in the total number of rivers 

identified.  The  number  and  proportion  of  heavily  modified  lake  and  coastal  water  bodies 
decreased significantly between the two cycles. 

15   CIS Guidance N° 28 - Preparation of Priority Substances Emissions Inventory: 

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/water-framework/facts_figures/guidance_docs_en.htm 

36 

 
                                                      
There have been changes in the typology of water bodies reported by Cyprus between the two 
cycles. One new type has been reported for coastal  waters covering both  natural  and heavily 

modified water bodies. There has been a reduction of lake types from four in the first RBMP to 
three in the second RBMP, type code L4 was not reported in the second RBMP. L4 was a lake 

type for water reservoirs up to the first RBMP and in the second RBMP the water reservoirs 
were reported as rivers. Four river types were reported in the second RBMP and only three in 

the first RBMP: the coding of all types was different for each cycle. 

2.3

Progress with Commission recommendations 

The  Commission  recommendations  based  on  the  first  RBMPs  and  first  Programme  of 
Measures requested action on the following: 

 

Recommendation:  Where  there  are  currently  high  uncertainties  in  the  characterisation 
of the RBDs, identification of pressures, and in the assessment of status, these need to be 

addressed  in  the  current  cycle,  to  ensure  that  adequate  measures  can  be  put  in  place 
before the next cycle. 

Assessment: It was reported that the assessment  of significance of pressures was based 
on thresholds and linked to failure of objectives  for the second RBMP. There has been 

progress on this aspect. 

A  review  of  Cyprus’  rivers  has  been  undertaken  for  the  second  RBMP.  The  RBMP 

reported  that  the  river  typology  and  the  river  water  bodies  used  for  the  first  cycle 
revealed  significant  disadvantages  during  the  implementation  of  the  WFD.  A  new 

network of river bodies with a new typology for rivers was developed.  

Cyprus  subsequently  stated  that  a  contract  has  been  awarded,  for  the  determination  of 

reference conditions in the lake water bodies of Cyprus and the results from this report 
will be available to use in the next management cycle (third RBMP). 

Overall this recommendation has been partially fulfilled. 

 

Recommendation:  Present  in  the  second  RBMPs  improved  identification  of  pressures 

from chemical pollutants on the basis of the inventory  of Priority Substances emissions 
(established since June 2013).  

Assessment:  An  inventory  of  all  Priority  Substances  has  been  reported  for  the  second 
cycle.  The  two  step  approach  from  the  Common  Implementation  Strategy  Guidance 

Document n°28 has been followed for all substances considered in the inventories. Tier 1 

37 

 
 
to  4  was  implemented  for  most  substances  and  for  a  limited  number  Tier  1  of  the 
methodology  was  implemented.  The  data  quality  was  assessed  as  good.  This 

recommendation has been fulfilled. 

 

Recommendation: Provide a more detailed analysis of pressures and impacts, as well as 

an improved risk assessment based on the improvement of the monitoring network. The 
RBMPs  should  be  explicit  about  the  impacts  related  to  each  significant  pressure  and 

provide  quantitative  figures  on  the  scale  of  the  pressures  that  need  to  be  reduced,  to 
reach WFD objectives.  

Assessment:  Cyprus  has  reported  gaps  that  have  to  be  filled  for  some  (but  not  all) 
significant  pressures  on  groundwater  and  surface  water  bodies.  Diffuse  sources  have 
been apportioned between the contributory sectors/activities16.  

Numerical tools have been used to assess the significance of water abstraction pressures 

on surface waters and a combination of numerical tools and expert judgement for water 
abstraction  pressures  on  groundwater  bodies  for  the  second  RBMPs.  Also  the 

significance of pressures on surface water and on groundwater was defined in terms of 
thresholds and was linked to the potential failure of objectives. This indicates that there 

has been progress on this recommendation. 

Overall this recommendation has been fulfilled. 

 

Recommendation  5  (Topics  2  and  9):  Develop  further  the  hydromorphological 
assessment methods so that improved biological monitoring results will allow for better 

risk assessment and more targeted measures concerning hydromorphological pressures. 

Assessment:  This  recommendation  relates  to  a  number  of  Topics.  In  terms  of 

characterisation, Cyprus reported that a combination of both numerical tools and expert 
judgment have been used to assess point sources, diffuse sources and pressures on water 

flow on surface water bodies and numerical tools were used to assess water abstraction 
pressures.  The  significance  of  pressures  on  surface  water  was  defined  in  terms  of 

thresholds  and  was  linked  to  the  potential  failure  of  objectives.  Cyprus  subsequently 
noted  that  for  the  second  RBMP,  a  methodology  for  the  assessment  of  the 

hydromorphological pressures (the IPI index) was developed and was used for the review 
of  the  impacts  and  pressures  carried  out  under  Article  5  of  the  WFD  and  further 

developed. In terms of characterisation, this recommendation has been fulfilled.  

16   Cyprus subsequently clarified that pressures related to significant loads were prioritised, thus indicator gap for 
diffuse  pressures  from  agriculture  is  selected  to  be  reported  instead  of  discharges  not  connected  to  the 
sewerage network, as the loads derived from agriculture are 10 times greater. Furthermore Cyprus stated that a 
big  effort  was  made  in  order  to  formulate  indicators  that  are  related  to  pressures  concerning  a  significant 
number of water bodies failing to achieve good status. 

38 

 
 
                                                      
Topic 3 Monitoring, assessment and classification of ecological 
status in surface water bodies 

3.1.  Assessment of implementation and compliance with WFD requirements 

in second RBMPs 

3.1.1.  Monitoring of ecological status/potential 

Monitoring programmes 

Article  8.1  of  the  WFD  requires  Member  States  to  establish  monitoring  programmes  for  the 

assessment of the status of surface water and of groundwater in order to provide a coherent and 
comprehensive overview of water status within each RBD.  

Cyprus  reported  monitoring  programmes  for  each  of  its  surface  water  categories.  Those  for 
lakes  and  rivers  cover  monitoring  of  chemical  status  and  ecological  status  separately.  The 

programmes  for  coastal  waters  cover  monitoring  for  surveillance  purposes  and  operational 
purposes separately. 

Monitoring  sites  and  monitored  water  bodies  used  for  surveillance  and  operational 
monitoring 

Table  3.1  compares  the  number  of  monitoring  sites  used  for  surveillance  and  operational 
purposes  between  the  cycles,  and  Table  3.2  gives  the  number  of  sites  used  for  different 

purposes  for  the  second  cycle.  Figure  3.1  shows  the  percentage  of  water  bodies  included  in 
surveillance and operational monitoring in the first and second RBMPs. The zeros reported for 

rivers and lakes for the second cycle are considered to be a reporting error. 

In the second RBMP Cyprus only reported monitoring sites in coastal waters for surveillance 

and operational purposes. No quality element was reported to be monitored and only chemical 
substances  (River  Basin  Specific  Pollutants  and  Priority  Substances)  were  associated  with 

monitoring sites. Monitoring sites in  all water categories with  details  of the quality  elements 
monitored were reported in the first RBMP. Therefore, this lack of data in the second RBMP is 

believed to be a reporting error. 

There  was  an  increase  in  the  number  of  monitoring  sites  used  for  the  surveillance  and 
operational monitoring of coastal waters. For the second RBMP, 20 and four sites were used 

for surveillance  and operational  monitoring,  respectively, compared to  seven and one for the 
first RBMP. 

39 

 
Table 3.1 Number of sites used for surveillance and operational monitoring in Cyprus for 

the second and first cycles. Note that for reasons of comparability with data 

reported in the first cycle, the second cycle data does not take into account 
whether sites are used for ecological and/or chemical monitoring 

Rivers 

Lakes 

Coastal 

Surv. 

Op 

Surv. 

Op 

Surv. 

Op 

Second RBMP  

CY_001 

0 (52) 

0 (34) 

0 (6) 

Total number of monitoring sites 

(86) 

First RBMP 

CY_001 

19 

12 

10 

Total number of monitoring sites 

31 

0 

1 

(6) 

11 

20 

7 

24 

8 

4 

1 

Source: Member States electronic reports to WISE. The values in brackets were not reported to WISE but were 
subsequently provided by Cyprus. 

Table 3.2 

  Number of monitoring sites in relevant water categories used for different 

purposes in Cyprus 

Monitoring Purpose 

CHE - Chemical status 

ECO - Ecological status 

OPE - Operational monitoring 

SUR - Surveillance monitoring 

Total sites irrespective of purpose 

Lakes 

Rivers 

Coastal 

3 

6 

(0) 

(6) 

6 

46 

87 

(32) 

(52) 

86 

(3) 

(24) 

4 

20 

24 

Source: WISE electronic reports. The values in brackets were subsequently provided by Cyprus. 

40 

 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
Figure 3.1 

Percentage  of  water  bodies  included  in  surveillance  and  operational 

monitoring in Cyprus for the first RBMP and second RBMP.  

Source: WISE electronic reports. Note that no differentiation is made between water bodies included in 
ecological and/or chemical monitoring17 

Monitoring sites and monitored water bodies used for ecological status/potential 

Cyprus  only  reported  monitoring  sites  in  coastal  waters  for  surveillance  and  operational 

purposes in the second RBMP. No quality element was reported to be monitored. The lack of 
data for other water categories in the second RBMP is believed to be a reporting error18.  

There was a reduction in the number of delineated water bodies in all three water categories in 
Cyprus  for  the  second  cycle  compared  to  the  first.  Furthermore,  15  reservoirs  which  were 

reported as lakes in the first RBMP were reported as rivers in the second RBMP, thus making 
river  and  lakes  water  body  numbers  not  directly  comparable.  This  makes  direct  quantitative 

comparisons between the first and second RBMPs very difficult. 

14 (64 %) coastal water bodies were included in surveillance monitoring for the second cycle 

compared to 7 (27 %) for the first. In terms of operational monitoring, one coastal water body 
was monitored for both cycles. 

Figure 3.2 shows the proportion of water bodies in  each ecological  status/potential class that 
are  included  in  surveillance  monitoring.  Note  that  surveillance  monitoring  has  only  been 

reported for coastal waters and all coastal waters are reported to be in good or better status. 

17  Cyprus  subsequently  informed  the  Commission  that  the  reported  information  used  for  this  figure  was  not 

correct. 

18   Cyprus subsequently indicated that quality elements are  monitored in rivers and lakes, but the monitoring is 
continuous and not related to sites. The results of the  monitoring program are presented in the  report on the 
classification of rivers and lakes which has been reported, but this information is not reported in WISE. 

41 

 
 
                                                      
Figure 3.2 

Proportion of water bodies in each ecological status/potential class that are 
included in surveillance monitoring in Cyprus  

Source: WISE electronic reports 

Quality elements monitored (excluding River Basin Specific Pollutants) 

No data were reported to WISE on the quality elements monitored. Cyprus subsequently stated 
that more quality elements were monitored for the second RBMP compared to the first19. 

River Basin Specific Pollutants and matrices monitored 

Eight River Basin Specific Pollutants were reported to be monitored in in Cyprus: six in water 
and two in fish. All six that were monitored in water were monitored in rivers and lakes, and 

three  of  them  also  in  coastal  waters.  Two  pollutants  (heptachlor  and  heptachlor  oxide)  were 
monitored in fish in coastal waters.  

Boron was monitored in water at the most sites (71), followed by copper (47) and zinc (46).  

Annex  V  of  the  WFD  provides  guidance  on  the  frequency  of  monitoring  of  the  different 

quality elements: once every three months is recommended for river basin specific pollutants 
in  water  (every  year  for  operational  monitoring,  and  one  year  per  cycle  for  surveillance 
monitoring).  

As  already  described,  Cyprus  reported  the  purpose  of  monitoring  (surveillance  versus 
operational monitoring) only for sites in coastal waters and not in other water categories. The 

19  Cyprus  indicated  that  the  biological  quality  elements  monitored  in  rivers  are  benthic  invertebrates, 
phytobenthos  and  macrophytes.  General  physicochemical  quality  elements  are  also  monitored  in  rivers. 
Biological quality elements are also monitored in lakes. 

42 

 
 
                                                      
three River Basin Specific Pollutants which were monitored in water in coastal waters, both for 
surveillance  and  operational  monitoring,  were  all  sampled  at  a  greater  frequency  than  the 

recommended minimum frequency.  

River  Basin  Specific  Pollutants  in  rivers  and  lakes  were  reported  to  be  monitored  12  times 

during  one  in  every  four  years.  This  reported  frequency  meets  the  recommended  minimum 
frequency for surveillance monitoring but not for operational monitoring. 

Annex  V,  section  1.3.4  of  the  WFD  does  not  explicitly  define  the  matrices  to  which  the 
minimum  required  frequency  of  monitoring  of  River  Basin  Specific  Pollutants  (“Other 

Pollutants”) applies. Required monitoring frequencies are specified for Priority Substances in 
biota and sediment in Article 3(2)(c) of EQS Directive: this is once per year for operational and 

surveillance monitoring purposes. For consistency this required frequency of once per year has 
been  applied  to  the  monitoring  of  River  Basin  Specific  Pollutants  in  biota/sediment. 

Heptachlor  and  heptachlor  epoxide  were  monitored  in  fish  at  six  sites  in  coastal  waters  12 
times  every  year  in  the  six  year  RBMP  cycle,  which  is  greater  than  the  minimum 

recommended monitoring frequency. 

Table  3.3  shows  the  number  of  sites  used  to  monitor  River  Basin  Specific  Pollutants  in  the 

second  cycle  and  non-priority  specific  pollutants  and/or  other  national  pollutants  in  the  first 
cycle. 

Table 3.3  Number of sites used to monitor River Basin Specific Pollutants reported in the 
second  RBMP  and  non-priority  specific  pollutants  and/or  other  national 

pollutants reported in the first RBMP in Cyprus. Note the data from both cycles 
may not  be fully comparable as different  definitions were used and also not all 

Member State reported information at the site level meaning that there were no 
equivalent data in the first RBMP 

RBMP 

first  

second 

Sites used to monitor non-priority specific 
pollutants and/or other national pollutants 

 Sites used to monitor River Basin Specific 
Pollutants 

Lakes 

Rivers  Coastal 

2 

1 

18 

70 

2 

7 

Sources: WISE electronic reports. 

3.1.2.  Ecological Status/potential of surface water  

The  ecological  status/potential  of  surface  water  bodies  in  Cyprus  in  the  second  RBMP  is 
illustrated in the Map 3.1.  

43 

 
 
Map 3.1 

 Most recently assessed ecological status or potential of surface water bodies in 
Cyprus. 
Note: Standard colours based on WFD Annex V, Article 1.4.2(i). 

Source: WISE, Eurostat (country borders) 

High 

Good 

Moderate 

Poor  

Bad 

Unknown 

River Basin Districts 

Countries outside the European Union 

Figure  3.3  shows  the  confidence  in  the  classification  of  ecological  status/potential.  The 
confidence  in  classification  of  ecological  status/potential  has  improved  between  the  two 

RBMPs from medium/low to high for all coastal water bodies, but has decreased for rivers, in 
spite  of  using  more  quality  elements  in  the  second  cycle.  Lakes  are  classified  with  low 
confidence and classification is only based on phytoplankton.20 21  

Figure 3.4 compares the ecological status of surface water bodies in Cyprus in the first RBMP 

with that in the second RBMP and that expected by 2015. 

20 Cyprus subsequently stated that the classification was based on phytoplankton only in one lake (with unknown 
status),  while  in  the  other  lake  water  bodies  it  was  based  on  expert  judgment.  This  is  different  from  the 
information reported to WISE. 

21  Cyprus  subsequently  clarified  that  there  are  many  differences  between  first  and  the  second  RMBP  in  the 
methodology  and  the  assumptions  applied  for  the  evaluation  of  uncertainties.  This  explains  why  the 
confidence of the assessment is reduced in the second RMBP.   

44 

 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
                                                      
The proportion of surface water bodies in good or better status/potential in the second RBMP 
was 58 %, compared to 40 % in the first RBMP. The proportion with unknown status/potential 

significantly decreased from 21 % in the first RBMP to 1 % in the second. 

Figure 3.3  Confidence  in  the  classification  of  ecological  status  or  potential  of  surface 

water bodies in Cyprus based on the most recently assessed status/potential  

Source: WISE electronic reports  

45 

 
 
Figure 3.4  Ecological status or potential of surface water bodies in Cyprus for the second 
RBMP, for the first RBMP and expected in 2015. The number in parenthesis 

is the number of surface water bodies for both cycles. Note the period of the 
assessment of status for the second RBMP was 2009 to 2013. The year of the 

assessment of status for first RBMP was 2005 to 2009.  

Source: WISE electronic reports  

Member States were asked to report the expected date for the achievement of good ecological 

status/potential. The information for Cyprus is shown in Figure 3.5. 

46 

 
 
 
 
Figure 3.5  Expected  date  of  achievement  of  good  ecological  status/potential  of  surface 
water  bodies  in  Cyprus.  The  number  in  parenthesis  is  the  number  of  water 

bodies in each category 

Source: WISE electronic reports  

All water bodies have been classified for the second RBMP, except three artificial or heavily 

modified lakes. All the coastal waters bodies are in good or better status/potential, while all the 
natural lakes are in moderate status. For natural rivers, more than 60 % are in good or  better 

status,  while  only  40  %  of  the  heavily  modified  rivers  are  in  good  or  better  potential. 
According  to  the  reporting  to  WISE,  three  of  five  natural  lakes  are  classified  based  on 

phytoplankton.  For  the  two  remaining  natural  lakes,  the  basis  for  classification  is  unclear 
(grouping has only been used for rivers).22  

There was a significant decrease in the number of surface water bodies delineated between the 
two cycles, from 260 in the first RBMP to 204 in the second.  

The proportion of surface water bodies in good or better status/potential in the second RBMP 
was  58  %  compared  to  40  %  in  the  first.  The  proportion  with  unknown  status/potential 

significantly  decreased  from  21  %  in  the  first  RBMP  to  1  %  in  the  second.  This  decrease 
mirrored the increase in the proportion of good or better status/potential while the proportion at 

22   Cyprus subsequently stated that of the total of eight lake water bodies, five are in moderate status and three 
have  unknown  status.  Classification  was  generally  based  on  expert  judgment  and  phytoplankton  monitoring 
was used in one lake. 

47 

 
 
                                                      
less than good remained nearly the same. Because of the significant change in the delineation 
of water bodies the comparison between the cycles should be treated with caution. 

In  the  Cyprus  RBMP  there  is  a  comparison  of  the  ecological  status/potential  of  river  water 
bodies (with the exclusion of reservoirs) between the two cycles. The classification is based on 

length of rivers and indicates that 41 % of the length of river water bodies was good or better 
in the first RBMP and 54 % in the second. 9 % of river length was of unknown status/potential 

in  the  first  RBMP  and  this  decreased  to  zero  for  the  second.  No  equivalent  information  was 
found for lakes and coastal waters. 

Classification of ecological status in terms of each classified quality element 

The majority of river water bodies are in good or better status/potential for phytobenthos and 
benthic  invertebrates,  as  well  as  morphological  conditions,  oxygenation  conditions,  salinity 

and  nutrient  conditions  (but  the  nutrient  standards  are  very  high,  so  it  is  relatively  easy  to 
obtain good status23). In coastal waters, the majority of water bodies are in good or better status 
for all the biological quality elements.  

 The  classification  of  many  quality  elements  is  reported  with  “unknown  status”,  “not 

applicable” or “monitored, but not used” in a large number of water bodies especially in lakes 
and coastal waters.  

For  the  second  RBMP  Cyprus  reported  to  WISE  that  no  information  was  available  and/or  it 
was impossible to compare current status or potential at the quality element level with status or 

potential in the first RBMP. 

Figure 3.6 shows the ecological status/potential of the biological quality elements used in the 

classification of lakes and rivers. 

23  Cyprus  subsequently  informed  that  the  assessment  method  used  for  the  general  physicochemical  quality 
elements in the first RBMP was reviewed in order to examine if an adjustment /improvement could be made. 
The assessment system that was applied for the first RBMP was not based on Cypriot data because in 2009 not 
enough data  was available to adjust it to local conditions. As a significant amount of data  became available 
since 2009, the review and possible adjustment was considered feasible for the purpose of the second RBMP. 
To  this  end,  the  monitoring  results  for  physicochemical  parameters  were  analysed  in  relation  to  the 
corresponding results of the biological quality elements, in order to determine whether the limit values of the 
physicochemical  parameters  correspond  to  the  status  of  the  biological  quality  elements.  According  to  those 
analyses, it was concluded that the assessment system as applied in the first RBMP seems to be in line with the 
Cypriot physicochemical data. Therefore, it was decided to continue with the same assessment system for the 
physicochemical  data  in  the  second  RBMP.  For  the  third  RBMP  it  is  planned  to  review  again  the  nutrient 
boundaries  using  the  tools  that  have  been  developed  within  the  Common  Implementation  Strategy  Working 
Group on Ecological Status. 

48 

 
                                                      
 
Figure  3.7  compares  the  classification  of  biological  quality  elements  in  terms  of  ecological 
status/potential  for  the  two  cycles.  It  should  be  noted  that  this  comparison  should  be  treated 

with  some  caution  as  there  are  differences  between  the  numbers  of  surface  water  bodies 
classified for individual elements between the two cycles. 

Figure 3.6  Ecological  status/potential  of  the  biological  quality  elements  used  in  the 
classification  of  surface  waters  in  Cyprus.  Note  that  water  bodies  with 

unknown  status/potential,  and  those  that  are  monitored  but  not  classified  or 
not applicable, are not presented 

Source: WISE electronic reports. Cyprus subsequently stated that phytoplankton in rivers refers 

exclusively to impounded rivers (reservoirs) and not to “normal” Cyprus rivers.   

49 

 
 
 
Figure 3.7  Comparison  of  ecological  status/potential  in  Cyprus  according  to  classified 

biological quality elements in rivers and lakes between the two cycles  

Source: WISE electronic reports  

3.8 and Figure 3.9 illustrate the basis of the classification of ecological status/potential of rivers 

and lakes in Cyprus for the second RBMP. 

Figure 3.8 

The  classification  of  the  ecological  status  or  potential  of  rivers  and  lakes  in 

Cyprus using one, two, three or four types of quality element. Note: The four 
types are: biological; hydromorphological, general physicochemical and River 

Basin Specific Pollutants 

Source: WISE electronic reports  

50 

 
 
 
Figure 3.9 

The  percentage  of  river  and  lake  water  bodies  in  Cyprus  where  no 
biological  quality  element  or  no  hydromorphological  (HYMO)  or  no 

general physicochemical (PHYSCHEM) or no river basin specific pollutant 
(RBSP) has been used in the classification of ecological status or potential 

Source: WISE electronic reports  

The classification of the individual quality elements is illustrated in Figure 3.10.  

51 

 
 
Figure 3.10 

Basis  of  the  classification  of  ecological  status/potential  in  Cyprus.  The 
percentages are in terms of the number of waterbodies in each category. 

Assessment methods and classification of biological quality elements 

Source: WISE electronic reports  

More methods for the assessment of biological quality elements have been developed since the 
first cycle, and now include phytobenthos, macrophytes and phytoplankton24 in rivers.  

No  assessment  methods  for  fish  in  rivers,  macrophytes,  phytobenthos,  benthic  invertebrates 

and fish in lakes, and macroalgae and angiosperms in coastal waters were reported to WISE. 
However,  macroalgae  and  angiosperms  are  used  for  classification:  the  basis  of  the 
classification of these elements that have no assessment method is not clear25. 

Reference conditions were reported not to be available for any biological quality elements in 

any of the lake types. Previously the Cyprus authorities had indicated that reference conditions 

24    Cyprus  subsequently  clarified  that  the  assessment  method  for  phytoplankton  in  rivers  refers  exclusively  to 

reservoirs that were formed by damming rivers. 

25    Cyprus  subsequently  clarified  that  there  are  assessment  methods  for  macroalgae  and  angiosperms  in  coastal 

waters, which are included in the Intercalibration Decision 2013/480/EU. 

52 

 
 
                                                      
for  lakes  types  L1,  L2  and  L5  would  be  set.  Even  though  this  work  would  possibly  not  be 
finished  in  time  for  the  second  RBMP,  it  would  be  used  as  much  as  possible.  Macrophytes, 

benthic invertebrates and fish are missing in terms of monitoring, classification and methods. 
The justification is that many lakes are reservoirs where macrophytes and benthic invertebrates 

are not applicable due to the large water level fluctuations. However, there are also five natural 
lakes, where these biological quality elements could potentially be applied26. 

Fish  in  rivers  have  not  been  monitored  or  classified  and  there  are  no  assessment  methods 
developed. The justification given previously by Cyprus was that there are no indigenous fish 

in  its  freshwaters  taking  into  account  historical  information  on  ecology,  climate  and 
pressures27.  

The methods are reported to be sensitive to all impacts reported for Cyprus except for saline 
pollution in lakes and rivers. 

Intercalibration of biological assessment methods and national classification systems 

All the four coastal water body types and three river water body types are reported to be linked 
to an intercalibration type.  

None of the lake water body types are reported to be linked to an intercalibration type. It is not 
clear which of the biological quality element methods have been intercalibrated28. 

Assessment methods for hydromorphological quality elements 

Assessment  methods  for  hydromorphological  quality  elements  are  reported  to  be  only 

developed for morphological conditions in rivers: the classification boundaries for this element 
are reported to be related to the class boundaries for the sensitive biological quality elements.  

26  Cyprus subsequently informed that in a project on the establishment of reference conditions in natural lakes all 
biological  quality  elements  prescribed  by  the  WFD  were  investigated.  During  sampling  in  all  three  survey 
periods  of  the  project,  fish  and  macrophytes  were  absent  from  these  water  bodies.  There  is  no  suitable 
substrate for phytobenthos in these lakes, therefore it was not proposed as a biological quality element to be 
monitored.    Macrophytes,  although  recorded  occasionally  in  the  past  (their  presence  seems  to  depend  on 
specific  conditions  of  salinity,  depth  and  transparency  of  the  water  column  that  occur  only  rarely)  are  not 
proposed  as  a  biological  quality  element  to  be  monitored  because  of  their  sporadic  appearance.  Benthic 
macroinvertebrates  were  recorded  in  very  low  abundances  (1-2  individuals  in  each  sample)  and  they  are 
consequently  not  proposed  as  a  biological  quality  element  to  be  monitored.  The  project  proposed  that 
phytoplankton and zooplankton be monitored in natural lakes. 

27  Cyprus subsequently noted that there are still scientific uncertainties about the use of fish in rivers in Cyprus. 
For  this  reason  a  specific  measure  is  included  in  the  Programme  of  Measures  for  the  period  2016  -2021  to 
further investigate the fish fauna in rivers in Cyprus. 

28  Cyprus subsequently indicated that the lake water bodies of Cyprus are highly diverse in terms of ecological 
and  hydrological  characteristics  and  that  this  type  of  lakes  is  not  common  in  other  countries.  Efforts  were 
made  twice  to  identify  common  types  amongst  Mediterranean  countries  in  the  intercalibration  exercise, 
without success, except for reservoirs.   

53 

 
 
                                                      
In lakes and coastal waters, no hydromorphological quality elements methods are developed29. 

Assessment methods for general physicochemical quality elements 

A  number  of  assessment  methods  for  the  physicochemical  quality  element  methods  in  rivers 

and  lakes  have  been  developed:  oxygenation,  salinity,  acidification,  nutrient  conditions.  The 
classification boundaries for these elements are reported to be related to the class boundaries 

for the sensitive biological quality elements.  

The  quality  element  methods  missing  for  rivers  and  lakes  are  for  transparency  and  thermal 

conditions. No methods are reported for coastal waters, for which these elements were not used 
in  the  classification.  Salinity  conditions  (expressed  by  electrical  conductivity)  is  the  only 

physicochemical quality element used for classification in lakes. 

Standards  have  been  set  for  nutrients,  oxygenation  conditions,  electrical  conductivity  and 

acidification in rivers and lakes. Standards are also reported for coastal waters for all relevant 
physicochemical  quality  elements  except  for  transparency,  this  is  in  spite  of  no  assessment 

methods  being  reported  for  these  elements  in  coastal  waters.  All  standards  in  all  water 
categories are said  to  be related to  the good-moderate classification boundary of the relevant 

sensitive biological quality element except for thermal conditions in coastal waters.  

Standards  for  physicochemical  quality  elements  have  the  same  range  of  values  for  all  water 

categories and all types.  It  is  not  clear  how these have been. The nutrient  standards  for total 
phosphorus  are  higher  than  the  saturation  level  for  nutrient  sensitive  biological  quality 

elements  (0.1  mg/l),  but  they  are  still  indicated  to  support  good  status  for  these  biological 
quality elements.  

Subsequently  Cyprus  indicated  that  in  both  rivers  and  lakes,  transparency  and  thermal 
conditions  are  monitored  as  complementary  quality  elements  only  and  they  are  not  used  for 

classification.  In  most  of  the  natural  lakes  of  Cyprus  the  thermal  conditions  have  been 
monitored  since  1988  on  a  monthly  basis.  This  monitoring  is  continuing  and  was  improved, 

especially  in  the  last  few  years  by  increasing  the  frequency  to  weekly.  Transparency  is  not 
monitored  due  to  technical  difficulties.  It  was  found  practically  impossible  to  take  accurate 
turbidity  measurements  in  the  shallow  lakes  (usual  water  depth  up  to  30-50cm)  with  muddy 

bottom. Acidification is not assessed as there is no standard (but pH is regularly monitored as a 
complementary  parameter).  In  rivers,  thermal  conditions  and  transparency  (turbidity)  are 

29    Cyprus  subsequently  indicated  that  in  most  of  the  natural  lakes  of  Cyprus  hydrological  regime  has  been 
monitored since 1988 on a monthly basis. This monitoring continued and was improved, especially in the last 
few years, by increasing frequency to weekly. Morphological conditions have not been described yet, but it is 
a task that is planned to be done in the future. 

54 

 
                                                      
 
monitored on a monthly basis since the first WFD monitoring cycle. Data reported to WISE, 
including the standards for nutrient conditions, was found to be incorrect. 

Selection of River Basin Specific Pollutants and use of Environmental Quality Standards 

There  is  no  information  on  how  the  River  Basin  Specific  Pollutants  were  selected  and  how 
they  are  used  in  the  overall  classification  of  ecological  status  (although  the  one-out,  all-out 
principle was reported to be applied)30.  

River Basin Specific Pollutants are monitored in less than 40% of the river water bodies, and 

only in one of eight lake water bodies and five of 22 coastal water bodies, but are classified in 
almost all the rivers using also grouping and expert judgement. River Basin Specific Pollutants 

are not classified in any lake or coastal water body.  

Environmental Quality Standards for six different metals are reported for water. All six were 

reported to be used in lakes and rivers (although Cyprus subsequently stated only three were 
applicable  in  rivers  and  six  in  impounded  rivers),  and  four  in  coastal  waters.  Only  annual 

average  Environmental  Quality  Standards  are  listed.  The  standards  have  been  derived  in 
accordance with the 2011 Technical Guidance Document No 27. The analytical methods are in 
line with Article 4(1) of Directive 2009/90/EC31 for all substances. 

No  environmental  quality  standards  were  reported  for  Heptachlor  and  Heptachlor  epoxide, 

although they  are  reported to  be monitored as River Basin  Specific Pollutants.  It  is  not  clear 
how exceedances are identified for these substances.  

Overall classification of ecological status (one-out, all-out principle) 

The one-out-all-out principle is reported to have been used. 

3.2.  Main changes in implementation and compliance since first RBMP 

There  was  an  increase  in  the  number  of  monitoring  sites  used  for  the  surveillance  and 

operational  monitoring  of  coastal  waters  between  the  two  cycles.  There  has  also  been  an 
increase in the number of coastal water bodies included in surveillance monitoring between the 

two cycles: one water body was operationally monitored in both cycles. 

30    Cyprus  subsequently  informed  that  the  list  of  River  Basin  Specific  Pollutants  has  been  revised  and  will  be 
monitored  in  preparation  for  the  third  RBMP.  The  revision  of  the  list  was  based  on  the  results  of  the 
monitoring  programmes  and  on  the  type  of  pressures  identified  as  a  result  of  the  pressure  and  impact 
assessment for the second RBMP. The new list includes 17 substances (metals, pesticides, and two industrial 
chemicals).  

31  Directive  2009/90/EC  of  31  July  2009  laying  down,  pursuant  to  Directive  2000/60/EC  of  the  European 
Parliament and of the  Council,  technical specifications  for chemical analysis and  monitoring of  water status 
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?qid=1524565750309&uri=CELEX:32009L0090 

55 

 
                                                      
More  biological  quality  element  assessment  methods  have  been  developed  since  the  first 
RBMP and now include river phytobenthos, macrophytes and phytoplankton. Also supporting 

quality  element  methods  have  been  developed  for  morphological  conditions  in  rivers,  and  a 
number of physicochemical quality element methods in rivers and lakes: oxygenation, salinity, 

acidification, nitrogen and phosphorus conditions.  

The proportion of surface water bodies in good or better status/potential in the second RBMP 

was  58  %,  compared  to  40  %  for  the  first  RBMP.  The  proportion  with  unknown 
status/potential significantly decreased, from 21 % in the first RBMP to 1 % in the second. 

The  confidence  in  classification  changed  between  the  two  cycles:  For  coastal  waters,  the 
confidence  has  improved  from  medium/low to  high  for  all  water  bodies,  while  for  rivers  the 

confidence has been reduced from 85 % to 60 % in high/medium. For lakes, the confidence has 
also been reduced to low for 100 % of the natural lakes (all the classified lakes)32. 

3.3. 

Progress with Commission recommendations 

The Commission recommendations based on the firstRBMP and firstProgramme of Measures 

requested action on the following: 

 

Recommendation:  Present  in  the  second  RBMPs  improved  identification  of  pressures 

from chemical pollutants on the basis of the inventory of Priority Substances emissions 
(established since June 2013).  

Assessment:  There  is  no  information  on  how  the  River  Basin  Specific  Pollutants  were 
selected. six River Basin Specific Pollutants were reported to  be monitored in  water in 

Cyprus:  all  six  were  monitored  in  rivers  and  lakes,  and  three  in  coastal  waters. 
Environmental Quality Standards for six different metals are reported for water. All six 

are used in lakes  and rivers (the Cyprus Authorities subsequently stated that only three 
were applied in rivers), and four in coastal waters. Only Annual Average Environmental 

Quality  Standards  are  listed.  The  technical  guidance  has  been  used  to  set  the 
Environmental Quality Standard values. The analytical methods are in line with Article 
4(1) of Directive 2009/90/EC33 for all substances. 

The recommendation has been partially fulfilled. 

32  Cyprus  subsequently  clarified  that  there  are  many  differences  between  first  and  the  second  RMBP  in  the 
methodology  and  the  assumptions  applied  for  the  evaluation  of  uncertainties.  This  explains  why  the 
confidence of the assessment is reduced in the second RMBP.   

33  Directive  2009/90/EC  of  31  July  2009  laying  down,  pursuant  to  Directive  2000/60/EC  of  the  European 
Parliament and of the  Council,  technical specifications  for chemical analysis and  monitoring of  water status 
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?qid=1524565750309&uri=CELEX:32009L0090 

56 

 
                                                      
Cyprus  subsequently  indicated  that  for  the  preparation  of  the  second  RBMP  a  special 
investigation was carried out to identify additional River Basin Specific Pollutants. The 

investigation was based on the type of pressures identified as result of the review of the 
pressures and impact conducted for the preparation of the second RBMP and the results 

of the monitoring programme. An additional 11 River Basin Specific Pollutants (all non-
metals)  will  be  used  for  the  classification  of  the  status  for  the  preparation  of  the  third 

RBMP.  

 

Recommendation:  Where  there  are  currently  high  uncertainties  in  the  characterisation 

of the RBDs, identification of pressures, and in the assessment of status, these need to be 
addressed  in  the  current  cycle,  to  ensure  that  adequate  measures  can  be  put  in  place 

before the next cycle.  

 

Recommendation: Provide a more detailed analysis of pressures and impacts, as well as 

an improved risk assessment based on the improvement of the monitoring network. The 

RBMPs  should  be  explicit  about  the  impacts  related  to  each  significant  pressure  and 
provide  quantitative  figures  on  the  scale  of  the  pressures  that  need  to  be  reduced,  to 
reach WFD objectives.  

Assessment: For coastal waters, the confidence has improved from medium/low to high 
for all water bodies, while for rivers the confidence has been reduced from 85% to 60% 

in high/medium. For lakes, the confidence has also been reduced to low for 100% of the 
natural lakes (all the classified lakes). 

The recommendation has been partially fulfilled (for coastal water bodies). 

 

Recommendation: The classification of ecological status and potential should be further 

developed and completed.  

Assessment: More biological quality element methods have been developed, in line with 
this  recommendation,  in  terms  of  now  including  river  phytobenthos,  macrophytes  and 
phytoplankton.  Also  supporting  quality  element  methods  have  been  developed  for 
morphological  conditions  in  rivers,  and  a  number  of  physicochemical  quality  element 

methods in rivers and lakes: oxygenation, salinity, acidification, nitrogen and phosphorus 
conditions.  All  the  four  coastal  water  types  and  three  river  types  are  linked  to  an 
intercalibration type. The majority of river water bodies are in good or better status for 

phytobenthos  and  benthic 
invertebrates,  as  well  as  morphological  conditions, 
oxygenation  conditions,  salinity  and  nutrient  conditions  (but  the  nutrient  standards  are 
very high, so it is relatively easy to obtain good status).  

57 

 
For coastal waters, the confidence in classification improved from medium/low to high 
for  all  water  bodies.  The  number  of  water  bodies  with  unknown  ecological 

status/potential was reduced from 51 to three. 

The recommendation has been mostly fulfilled. 

 

Recommendation: Efforts should be made to improve the quality of monitoring.  

Assessment: Cyprus only reported monitoring sites in coastal waters for surveillance and 

operational  purposes  in  the  second  RBMP.  No  quality  element  was  reported  to  be 
monitored  and  only  chemical  substances  (River  Basin  Specific  Pollutants  and  Priority 

Substances) were associated with monitoring sites. This lack of data in the second RBMP 
is believed to be a reporting error.34 

Therefore there is not enough information on progress regarding this recommendation. 

34    Cyprus  subsequently  indicated  that  quality  elements  are  monitored  in  rivers  and  lakes,  the  monitoring  is 
continuous and not related to sites. The results of the  monitoring program are presented in the  report on the 
classification of rivers and lakes which has been reported, but this information is not reported in WISE.  

58 

 
 
                                                      
Topic 4 Monitoring, assessment and classification of chemical 
status in surface water bodies 

4.1.  Assessment  of 

implementation  and 

compliance  with  WFD 

requirements in second cycle  

4.1.1.  Monitoring of chemical status in surface waters 

Monitoring sites and monitored water bodies used for monitoring of chemical status 

Member  States  have  to  implement  surveillance  and  operational  monitoring  programmes  in 
accordance with the requirements of the WFD EQS Directive, for the assessment of ecological 

status/potential and chemical status.  

Surveillance monitoring programmes should allow Member States to supplement and validate 

the  impact  assessment  procedure,  to  efficiently  and  effectively  review  the  design  of  their 
monitoring programmes, and to  assess the long-term  changes in  natural  conditions  and those 

resulting  from  widespread  anthropogenic  activity.  For  operational  purposes,  monitoring  is 
required to establish the status of waterbodies identified as being at risk of failing to meet their 
environmental objectives, and to assess any changes in the status of such waterbodies resulting 

from the programme of measures. 

Section 3.1.1. of this report summarises the characteristics of the surveillance and operational 

monitoring programmes in Cyprus in the second RBMP.  

Figure  4.1  summarises  the  proportion  of  sites  used  for  the  monitoring  of  chemical  status  in 

lakes, rivers and coastal waters (territorial waters are not delineated or monitored for chemical 
status  in  Cyprus)  as  reported  in  the  second  RBMP.  In  this  figure,  no  distinction  is  made 

between sites used for surveillance and/or operational purposes. More detailed information can 
be found on the website of the European Environment Agency35.  

For rivers and lakes, around half of all monitoring sites are used for monitoring chemical status 
(all sites are used  for monitoring ecological  status). Cyprus subsequently  informed that eight 

monitoring sites (33 %) are monitored for chemical status in coastal waters (no information for 
coastal waters could be found in WISE).  

Figure 4.2 summarises the proportion of water bodies monitored for chemical status in lakes, 
rivers and coastal waters as reported in the second RBMP. In this figure no distinction is made 

35  https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/state-of-water 

59 

 
                                                      
 
between sites used for surveillance and/or operational purposes. Also given is the proportion of 

water  bodies  monitored  for  any  purpose  and,  for  comparative  purposes,  those  for  ecological 
status.  Figure  4.2  shows  that  26  %  of  174  river  water  bodies  and  38  %  of  eight  lakes  are 

monitored for chemical status. No information was available in WISE for coastal waters. Cyrus 
subsequently  informed  that  seven  coastal  water  bodies  (about  29  %)  are  monitored  for 

chemical status.   

Figure 4.1 

Proportion  of  sites  used  for  monitoring  of  chemical  status  and,  for 

comparison, ecological  status, in Cyprus. The number in parenthesis next to 
the  category  is  the  total  number  of  monitoring  sites  irrespective  of  their 

purpose. The figure is based on the information found in WISE.  

Source: WISE electronic reporting 

Cyprus informed that eight (33 %) monitoring sites are monitored for chemical status and 22 (98%) for 

ecological status in coastal waters 

60 

 
 
Figure 4.2 

Proportion  of  total  water  bodies  in  each  category  monitored,  monitored  for 

chemical  status  and,  for  comparison,  monitored  for  ecological  status,  in 
Cyprus. The number in parenthesis next to the category is the total number of 

water bodies in that category. The figure is based on the information found in 
WISE  

Source: WISE electronic reporting 

Cyrus informed that seven (32 %) coastal water bodies are monitored for chemical status and 15 (68 %) 

for ecological status 
86  %  of  river  water  bodies  that  are  failing  to  achieve  good  chemical  status  are  subject  to 
operational monitoring in Cyprus. No lakes or coastal water bodies are classified as failing to 

achieve good status. 

Long-term trend monitoring and monitoring of Priority substances in water, sediment  and 

biota for status assessment 

Monitoring for status assessment 

Requirements 

Article 8.1 of the WFD requires Member States to establish monitoring programmes in order to 

provide  inter  alia  a  coherent  and  comprehensive  overview  of  water  status  within  each  RBD. 
The amount of monitoring undertaken in terms of priority substances, frequency and numbers 

of sites should be sufficient to obtain a reliable and robust assessment of status. According to 
in  2009),  mercury,  hexachlorobenzene  and 
the  EQS  Directive 

(version 

force 

in 

hexachlorobutadiene  have  to  be  monitored  in  biota  for  status  assessment,  unless  Member 

61 

 
 
States  derived  a  standard  for  another  matrix,  which  is  at  least  as  protective  as  the  biota 

standard.  

Spatial Coverage 

39  Priority  Substances  and  groups  of  Priority  Substances  are  monitored  in  water  for  status 
assessment at 26, 38 and 32 % of river, lake and coastal water bodies represented by a total of 

46, three and eight chemical monitoring sites respectively.  

The RBMP states that for rivers, the Priority Substances monitored have been selected on the 

basis of a specific 2012 study regarding the preparation of an inventory of emissions, discharge 
and losses of priority and priority hazardous substances.  

According  to  WISE,  mercury  and  hexachlorobenzene,  but  not  hexachlorobutadiene,  were 
monitored in biota in coastal waters for  status assessment. Cyprus subsequently clarified that 

hexachlorobutadiene  was  actually  also  monitored  in  biota  in  coastal  waters  for  status 
in  biota:  DDT-p,p’, 
assessment.  The 
hexachlorocyclohexane, lead, mercury and cadmium. The number of sites monitored for biota 

following  substances  were  also  monitored 

in Cyprus as a whole was two for each of the Priority Substances monitored. Cyprus informed 
that there was no monitoring of biota in surface freshwaters as no suitable biota species has yet 

been  identified.  Mercury,  hexachlorobenzene  and  hexachlorobutadiene  are  reported  to  be 
monitored  in  water  in  freshwaters  (although  there  is  no  further  information  available  as  to 

whether the standards used are as least as protective as the biota standard). 

Frequencies 

The WFD indicates that, for the surveillance and operational monitoring of Priority Substances 
in water, the frequency of monitoring should be at least monthly for one year during the RBMP 

cycle and at least monthly every year, respectively. Monitoring in biota for status assessment 
should take place at least once every year according to the EQS Directive. In all cases greater 

intervals can be applied by Member States if justified on the basis of technical knowledge and 
expert judgement. 

Intra-annual  monitoring  frequencies  of  twelve  times  per  year  are  reported  in  WISE  for  39 
Priority  Substances  and  groups  of  Priority  Substances  in  water.  According  to  this  source  of 

information, monitoring is undertaken every year in coastal waters and once every four years 
in  river  and  lake  water  bodies.  The  monitoring  frequencies  are  therefore  consistent  with  the 

recommended  minimum  frequencies  for  surveillance  monitoring  but  not  for  operational 
monitoring  in  rivers  and  lakes.  Monitoring  of  biota  for  status  assessment  in  coastal  water 

62 

 
bodies  was  also  reported  as  being  12  times  every  year  which  meets  the  recommended 

minimum frequencies of the Directive. 

Cyprus however subsequently  clarified that water monitoring for  rivers  is  carried out five or 

six times per year over a minimum of two years in the six- year cycle, to reach a number of 10 
is 
to 12 samples per cycle. Water monitoring for  impounded 

reservoirs) 

(water 

rivers 

performed  four  to  six  times  per  year  over  a  minimum  of  two  years  in  the  six-year  cycle. 
However  for  reservoirs  used  for  domestic  water  supply  (i.e.  the  majority  of  reservoirs),  the 

water  monitoring  frequency  is  four  to  six  times  per  year  each  year  in  the  six-  year  cycle. 
Cyprus  mentioned  that  monitoring  five  or  six  times  during  a  given  year  allows  to  have  a 

monthly monitoring frequency during the period when temporary rivers flow, and during the 
period of high river flows for perennial rivers. It is not entirely clear whether these monitoring 

frequencies  apply  to  both  operational  and  surveillance  monitoring,  or  only  to  surveillance 
monitoring. 

Cyprus also clarified that the monitoring frequency in biota is once per year every year. 

Monitoring for long-term trend assessment 

Requirements 

Article  3.6  of  Directive  2013/39/EU  (amending  Article  3.3  of  Directive  2008/105/EC)  states 

that “Member States shall arrange for the long-term trend analysis of concentrations of those 
priority substances listed in Part A of Annex I that tend to accumulate in sediment and/or biota, 

giving particular consideration to the substances numbered 2, 5, 6, 7, 12, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 
26,  28,  30,  34,  35,  36,  37,  43  and  4436  listed  in  Part  A  of  Annex  I,  on  the  basis  of  the 
monitoring  of  surface  water  status  carried  out  in  accordance  with  Article  8  of  Directive 
2000/60/EC.  Substances numbered 34, 35, 36, 37, 43 and 44 are new Priority Substances and 

as  such  information  on  trends  for  them  would  not  be  expected  to  be  reported  in  the  second 
RBMPs. There are therefore 14 Priority Substances for which monitoring for long-term trends 

is expected. 

Spatial coverage and frequencies 

No monitoring for long-term trend assessment was reported. 

36  (2)  Anthracene,  (5)  Brominated  diphenylether,  (6)  cadmium,  (7)  C10-13  chloroalkanes,  (12)  DEHP,  (15) 
fluoranthene,  (16)  hexachlorobenzene,  (17)  hexabutadiene,  (18)  hexachlorocyclohexane,  (20)  lead,  (21) 
mercury, (26) pentachlorobenzene, (28) PAH, (30) Tributyltin, (34) Difocol, (35) PFOS, (36) quinoxyfen, (37) 
dioxins, (43) hexabromocyclodecane and (44) heptachlor. 

63 

 
                                                      
Cyprus subsequently clarified that no Priority Substance was monitored in sediment until 2013. 

However,  since  2013,  the  14  substances  mentioned  above  are  monitored  in  river  sediments 
(mainly  in  impounded  rivers/water  reservoirs,  but  also  in  few  natural  rivers),  and  this 
monitoring will be reported in the third RBMP37. 

Monitoring of Priority Substances that are discharged in each RBD  

Annex  V  of  the  WFD  states,  in  Section  1.3.1  (Design  of  surveillance  monitoring),  that 
“Surveillance monitoring shall be carried out for each monitoring site for a period of one year 

during  the  period  covered  by  a  river  basin  management  plan  for  [inter  alia]:  priority  list 
pollutants  which  are  discharged  into  the  river  basin  or  sub-basin.”  Section  1.3.2  (Design  of 

operational  monitoring)  of  the  directive  states  that  “In  order  to  assess  the  magnitude  of  the 
pressure to  which bodies of surface water  are subject  Member States shall monitor for those 

quality elements which are indicative of the pressures to which the body or bodies are subject. 
In order to assess the impact of these pressures, Member States shall monitor as relevant [inter 
alia]:  all  priority  substances  discharged,  and  other  pollutants  discharged  in  significant 

quantities.” 

Member States are therefore required to monitor all Priority Substances which are discharged 

into the river basin or sub-basin. 

In  Cyprus,  all  41  Priority  Substances  and  groups  of  Priority  Substances  were  included  in  an 

inventory and 7 are reported to be discharged (trifluralin, chlorpyrifos, lead, mercury, nickel, 
cadmium and alachlor). 39 of these 41 Priority Substances, including all of those discharged, 

are monitored; octylphenol and brominated diphenylethers (congener numbers 28, 47, 99, 100, 
153  and  154)  were  not  monitored.  Cyprus  have  since  clarified  that  both  Octylphenol    and 

brominated diphenylethers have been monitored since 2016 and that data will be available in 
the next round of reporting for the third RBMP. Lack of monitoring prior to 2016 was a result 

of technical problems.  

Performance of analytical methods used  

In  Cyprus,  reporting  to  WISE  indicates  that  for  all  41  Priority  Substances  the  analytical 
methods used meet  the  minimum  performance  criteria laid down in  Article 4(1) of Directive 

37  Cyrpus also mentioned that since 2015, these substances are monitored in sediment in natural lake, for trend 

assessment purposes. 

64 

 
                                                      
 
2009/90/EC38  for  the  strictest  standard  applied.  However,  two  Priority  Substances  have  not 
been reported as monitored in WISE. Based on Cyprus’ clarification above, it might be that the 
performances  reported  here  refer  to  the  analytical  methods  used  in  2016  for  these  two 

substances. 

The  method  for  dealing  with  measurements  of  Priority  Substances  lower  than  the  limit  of 

quantification  was  as  required  in  Article  5  of  Directive  2009/90/EC  about  the  technical 
specifications for chemical analysis and monitoring of water status.  

4.1.2.  Chemical Status of surface water bodies 

Member States  are  required to  report the  year on which the  assessment of chemical  status  is 

based. This  may be the  year that the surface water body was monitored. In case of  grouping 
this may be the year in which monitoring took place in the surface water bodies within a group 

that  are  used  to  extrapolate  results  to  non-monitored  surface  water  bodies  within  the  same 
group.  In  Cyprus  the  chemical  assessments  were  carried  out  based  on  data  from  2009  to 
201339. 

The chemical status of surface water bodies in Cyprus for the second RBMP is illustrated in 
Map 4.1. This is based on the most recent assessment of status. Overall between the two cycles 

there was an increase in the proportion of surface water bodies with good chemical status from 
74 to 85% and a small decrease in the proportion that fail to achieve good chemical status from 

5 to 3%. The proportion with unknown status has reduced from 21 % to 12 %. Classification of 
water  bodies  that  were  not  monitored  was  carried  out  by  grouping  and  the  use  of  expert 

judgement. The RBMP provided a detailed approach to grouping comprising: 

  Water bodies that are upstream  a water body  with  “Good chemical  status”, then their 
status is set as well as “Good” on the assumption that if there was a source of Priority 

Substances  upstream  of  the  monitoring  station,  this  would  have  shown  in  the 
monitoring results.  

  Water  bodies  that  are  downstream  of  a  water  body  with  “Failing  to  achieve  good 
status”  status,  are  also  set  to  “Failing  to  achieve  good  status”.  This  rule  was  applied 

downstream up to: 

38  Directive  2009/90/EC  of  31  July  2009  laying  down,  pursuant  to  Directive  2000/60/EC  of  the  European 
Parliament and of the  Council,  technical specifications  for chemical analysis and  monitoring of  water status 
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?qid=1524565750309&uri=CELEX:32009L0090  

39 

Cyprus  mentioned 

in 
Classification_Rivers_lakes_CY_2014.pdf, which has been reported to WISE. 

that  more 

available 

details 

are 

the 

document 

entitled 

65 

 
                                                      
 
 
o  a dam that overflows only very rarely; and,  

o  a water body with a monitoring station with good chemical status. 

  Water bodies in assessment groups of negligible or minor pressures (resulting from the 
grouping  applied)  were  assigned  Good  Chemical  Status  only  after  evaluating  point 
pressures such as mines, industrial facilities and industrial areas. 

  On a case by case basis, water bodies that belong in groups with important pressures, 
were  assigned  Good  Chemical  Status  only  after  evaluating  pressures  such  as  mines, 

industrial facilities and industrial areas and significant urban areas.  

  Water bodies that  could  not  be assigned a status  according to  the  above  criteria were 

assigned Unknown Chemical Status. 

Cyprus  confirmed  that  the  one-out-all-out  principle  is  applied  in  the  assessment  of  chemical 
status. 

Map 4.1 

Chemical status of surface water bodies in Cyprus based on the most recently 
assessed status of the surface water bodies  

Note: Standard colours based on WFD Annex V, Article 1.4.3.  

Source: WISE, Eurostat (country borders) 

66 

GoodFailing to achieve to goodUnknownRiver Basin DistrictsCountries outside the EU 
 
 
 
The  chemical  status  of  lakes,  rivers  and  coastal  waters  in  Cyprus  for  the  first  and  second 

RBMPs is given in Table 4.1.  

Table 4.1 

Chemical  status  of  surface  water  bodies  in  Cyprus  for  the  second  and  first 

RBMP.  Note:  the  number  in  parenthesis  next  to  the  water  category  is  the 
number  of  water  bodies.  Note:  Chemical  status  assessment  is  based  on  the 

standards  laid  down  in  EQS  Directive  2008/105/EC  (version  in  force  on  13 
January  2009).  Some  Member  States  did  not  implement  the  Directive  in  the 

first RBMPs as the transposition deadline was in July 2010, after the adoption 
of the first RBMPs 

Category 

Good 

Failing to achieve good 

Unknown 

Number 

% 

Number 

% 

Number 

% 

Second RBMP 

Lakes (8) 

Rivers (174) 

Coastal  (22) 

Total (204) 

First RBMP 

Lakes (18) 

Rivers (216) 

Coastal (26) 

Total  (260) 

1 

150 

22 

173 

13 

154 

26 

193 

13% 

86% 

100 

85% 

72% 

71.00% 

100.00% 

7 

7 

3 

9 

4% 

3% 

17% 

4.00% 

74% 

12 

5% 

7 

17 

24 

2 

53 

55 

88% 

10% 

12% 

11% 

24% 

21% 

Figure 4.3 shows the confidence in the classification of chemical status for the second RBMP. 
Overall, 26 % of surface water bodies in Cyprus were classified for chemical status with high 

confidence, 16 % with medium confidence and 58 % with low confidence. Confidence in the 
classification of chemical status for the first RBMP was not reported. 

67 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Figure 4.3 

Confidence in the classification of chemical status of surface water bodies in 

Cyprus based on the most recently assessed status/potential   

Source: WISE electronic reporting 

Figure 4.4 compares the chemical status of surface water bodies in Cyprus for the first RBMP 
with  that  for  the  second  RBMP  (based  on  the  most  recent  assessment  of  status)  and  that 

expected by 2015. Figure 4.4 illustrates that the level of good chemical status reported in the 
second RBMP is lower than the one expected in 2015 (85 % compared to 97 %). 

The  assessment  of  chemical  status  for  the  second  RBMP  was  expected  to  be  based  on  the 
standards laid down in  EQS Directive 2008/105/EC  (version in  force on 13 January 200940). 
Some Member States did not implement the Directive in the first RBMPs as the transposition 
deadline was in July 2010, after the adoption of the first RBMPs. 

40   It is to be noted that following Directive  2013/39/EU, which amended the Environmental Quality  Standards 
Directive,  introduced  a  less  stringent  annual  average  environmental  quality  standard  for  naphthalene  in 
transitional  waters.  This  less  stringent  environmental  quality  standard  should  be  taken  into  account  for  the 
determination of surface water chemical status by the 2015 deadline laid down in Article 4 of the WFD.  

68 

0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%100%GoodFailing toachieve goodUnknownPercentage of Surface water bodiesChemical statusNo informationHighMediumLow 
 
 
 
 
                                                      
Figure 4.4 

Chemical status of surface water bodies in Cyprus for the second RBMP, for 

the  first RBMP  and  expected  in  2015.  The number  in  the  parenthesis  is  the 
number  of  surface  water  bodies  for  both  cycles.  Note  the  period  of  the 

assessment of status for the second RBMP was 2009 to 2013. The year of the 
assessment of status for first RBMP is not known  

Source: WISE electronic reporting 

More information on the chemical status in each RBD and water category can be found on the 
website of the European Environment Agency41. 

Directive  2013/39/EU  amended  the  EQS  Directive.  In  particular,  it  sets  more  stringent 
environmental  quality  standards  for  seven  substances42.  Member  States  were  required  to 
indicate if the new standard caused the status of the surface water body to appear to deteriorate. 
Cyprus reported that no surface water bodies appeared to deteriorate as a result of this change. 

Good  chemical  status  should  be  reached  by  2021  in  relation  to  the  revised  environmental 
quality  standards,  unless  Member  States  apply  exemptions  under  WFD  Article  4(4)  or  less 

stringent objectives under WFD Article 4(5). 

Member States were asked to report the expected date for the achievement of good chemical 

status. The information for Cyprus is shown in Figure 4.5; good chemical status is expected to 
be achieved by the end of the third planning cycle in all water bodies in Cyprus. No data was 
available on the expected achievement date of good status in first RBMPs.  

41  https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/state-of-water 
42  Anthracene,  Brominated  diphenylether,  Fluoranthene,  Lead  and  its  compounds,  Naphthalene,  Nickel  and  its 

compounds, Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) 

69 

 
 
 
 
                                                      
Figure 4.5 

Expected  date  of  achievement  of  good  chemical  of  surface  water  bodies  in 

Cyprus. The number in the parenthesis is the number of water bodies in each 
category 

Source: WISE electronic reporting 

Priority substances causing the failure of good chemical status 

Member  States  were  expected  to  report  exceedances  based  on  the  revised,  more  stringent 

Environmental Quality Standards from Directive 2013/39/EU. For Cyprus, no change in status 
is expected because of these standards, compared to the initial standards. 

The substances causing the greatest proportion of water bodies to fail good chemical status in 
surface water bodies were cadmium, lead, mercury, nickel and trifluralin (Figure 4.6). 

The  largest  proportion  of  exceedances  were  for  the  annual  average  environmental  quality 
standard for cadmium  (2.3 % of water bodies failing), nickel  (1.15 %) and lead (1.15 %).  In 

terms  of  exceedance  of  both  the  annual  average-environmental  quality  standard  and  the 
maximum  allowable  concentration-environmental  quality  standard  standards,  the  largest 

proportion was for mercury (1.15 %). 

70 

 
 
 
 
Six  Priority  Substances  were  reported  to  have  resulted  in  the  improvement  of  the  status  of 

water  bodies  from  failing  to  achieve  good  chemical  status  to  good  chemical  status  since  the 
first RBMP; including  cadmium (2.3 %), lead (2.3 %) and nickel (1.7 %).  

Figure 4.6 

The top  Priority Substances causing failure to  achieve good chemical status 
in surface water bodies in Cyprus 

Source: WISE electronic reporting 

Ubiquitous persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic Priority Substances 

According  to  Article  8(a)  of  the  EQS  Directive43,  eight  priority  substances  and  groups  of 
priority  substances  are  behaving  like  ubiquitous,  persistent,  bioaccumulative  and  toxic 
substances44.  These  substances  are  generally  expected  to  cause  widespread  exceedances,  and 
their emissions can be challenging to tackle (e.g. due to long-range atmospheric transport and 

deposition). In order to show the progress made in tackling other priority substances, Member 
States have the possibility to present the information related to chemical status separately for 

these substances.  

The  influence  of  ubiquitous  persistent,  bioaccumulative  and  toxic  Priority  Substances  on  the 

chemical  status  of  river  water  bodies  was  assessed  as  limited.  There  were  two  river  water 
bodies  in  Cyprus  where  one  ubiquitous  persistent,  bioaccumulative  and  toxic  Priority 

Substance  (mercury)  exceeded  its  Environmental  Quality  Standard  in  water  bodies.  Other 
Priority Substance also exceeded their environmental quality standards in these water bodies.   

43 Amended by Directive 2013/39/EU. 
44 Brominated diphenylether, Mercury and its compounds, Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), Tributyltin,  PFOS, 

dioxins, hexabromocyclodecane and heptachlor 

71 

 
 
                                                      
However,  the  full  extent  of  the  influence  of  these  substances  is  not  known  because  about  a 

quarter of surface water bodies are monitored for chemical status in each water category (26, 
38 and 32 % for rivers, lakes and coastal waters respectively) with the remainder classified on 

the basis of expert judgement. Furthermore, 12 % of surface water bodies have unknown status 
and monitoring of biota for status assessment appears to be very limited. 

Related  information  is  also  available  in  the  2018  State  of  Water  report  of  the  European 
Environment Agency45. 

Priority substances used in the assessment of chemical status compared to those monitored 

Cyprus reported in WISE that 39 of 41 Priority Substances are both monitored and used in the 

assessment of chemical status. Octylphenol and brominated diphenylethers (congener numbers 
28, 47, 99, 100, 153 and 154) are not monitored and not used in the assessment. 

The  RBMP  indicates  that  seven  Priority  Substances  (brominated  diphenylether,  octylphenol, 
tributyltin 
C10-13  chloroalkanes,  pentachlorobenzene,  pentachlorophenol,  nonylphenol, 
compounds have not been monitored in surface freshwaters. Cyprus subsequently clarified that 

all of these, with the exception of tributyltin, have been monitored from 2016 and the results 
will be reported in the next RBMP. 

Application of alternative environmental quality standards for water, biota and sediment  

According  to  the  EQS  Directive,  Member  States  may  opt  to  apply  environmental  quality 

standards for  another matrix than the one specified in  the Directive for a given substance.  If 
they do so, they have to ensure the environmental quality standard they set in the other matrix 

(or  matrices)  offers  at  least  the  same  level  of  protection  as  the  standard  established  in  the 
directive. 

Cyprus reported that all of the environmental quality standards laid down in Part A of Annex I 
of  the  Directive  2008/105/EC  had  been  applied  for  the  41  Priority  Substances  and  that 

alternative and/or additional standards for particular Priority Substances had not been applied. 
However, two Priority Substances (octylphenols and brominated diphenylethers) have not been 

monitored or used in the assessment of chemical status. 

Use of mixing zones  

Article 4 of Directive 2008/105/EC13 provides Member States with  the option of designating 
mixing  zones  adjacent  to  points  of  discharge.  Concentrations  of  substances  may  exceed  the 

45 https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/state-of-water (p40-41 of the report). 

72 

 
                                                      
relevant EQS within such mixing zones if they do not affect the compliance of the rest of the 

body  of  surface  water  with  those  standards.  Member  States  that  designate  mixing  zones  are 
required  to  include  within  their  RBMPs  a  description  of:  the  approaches  and  methodologies 

applied  to  define  such  zones,  and;  measures  taken  with  a  view  to  reducing  the  extent  of  the 
mixing zones in the future. 

Mixing zones have not been designated in Cyprus. 

Background Concentrations and Bioavailability 

EC  Directives  2008/105/EU  and  2013/39/EU  stipulate  that  Member  States  may  (i.e.  treat  as 
optional),  when  assessing  the  monitoring  results  against  the  environmental  quality  standards, 

take into account: 

(a)  natural  background  concentrations  for  metals  and  their  compounds,  if  they  prevent 

compliance with the environmental quality standards value, and; 

(b) hardness, pH or other water quality parameters that affect the bioavailability of metals. 

No information was provided as to whether natural background concentrations for metals and 

their compounds were taken into consideration where such concentrations prevent compliance 
with the relevant environmental quality standards. Cyprus subsequently informed that natural 

background  conditions  are  not  relevant  for  their  river  water  bodies.  Those  failing  to  achieve 
good chemical status are affected by historic mining operations.  

Water quality parameters that affect the bioavailability of metals have been taken into account 
when assessing monitoring results against relevant environmental quality standards. 

4.2.  Main changes in implementation and compliance since first cycle 

The  monitoring  programme  has  been  modified  and  updated  since  the  first  RBMP.  This  has 

been  informed  by  further  studies  and  investigations  including  a  specific  contract  referenced 
within the RBMP (a Department of Environment project entitled: Preparation of an Inventory 

of  Emissions,  Discharges  and  Losses  of  Priority  and  Priority  Hazardous  Substances). 
Informed  by  the  results  of  this  contract,  updates  of  the  monitoring  program  for  Priority 

Substances  have  been  made,  to  make  it  more  targeted  and  informative.  Data  now  available 
through  previous  years’  monitoring,  allow  more  focused  monitoring  for  the  assessment  of 

chemical status. Furthermore, some substances that are not considered to be relevant in Cyprus 
RBD (according to the above mentioned project) have been taken out the monitoring program, 
with increased focus on those Priority Substances found to be more relevant. Additional water 

73 

 
bodies  are  being  assessed  for  their  chemical  status  to  reduce  the  percentage  of  water  bodies 

with unknown chemical status. 

There has been a re-delineation of water bodies between the two RBMPs and therefore a strict 

comparison of status between the two RBMPs should be treated with some caution. Overall the 
number of surface water bodies has decreased from 260 in the first RBMP to 204 in the second 

RBMP.  Between  the  two  RBMPs  there  was  an  increase  in  the  proportion  of  surface  water 
bodies with  good chemical status from 74 % to  85 % and a small decrease in the proportion 

that  fail  to  achieve  good  chemical  status  from  5  %  to  3  %.  The  proportion  of  surface  water 
bodies with unknown status has reduced from 21 % to 12 %.  

Six Priority Substances are reported to have improved from failing to achieve good chemical 
status to good chemical status since the first RBMP with water bodies showing improvements 

in particular in terms cadmium, lead and nickel; each in approximately 2 % of water bodies. 

4.3.  Progress with Commission recommendations 

The  Commission  recommendations  based  on  the  first  RBMPs  and  first  Programme  of 
Measures requested action on the following: 

  Recommendation: Where there are currently high uncertainties in the characterisation 
of the RBDs, identification of pressures, and in the assessment of status, these need to 

be addressed in the current cycle, to ensure that adequate measures can be put in place 
before the next cycle.  

Assessment:  This  recommendation  applies  to  a  number  of  topics.  In  terms  of 
uncertainties in the assessment of status, 68 % of coastal water bodies and 64 % of river 
water bodies  were classified by expert judgement  and a high number of  water bodies 

being classified with low confidence; 58 % overall. 12 % of surface water bodies have 
been assigned unknown status. Also two substances are neither monitored nor used in 

the  status  assessment.  This  implies  that  there  is  still  likely  to  be  a  high  level  of 
uncertainty in the classification of status. 

Also, territorial waters are not monitored, and consequently their status is not assessed. 

In terms of the assessment of pressures on surface water bodies failing to achieve good 

status  affected  only  river  water  bodies  in  Cyprus,  with  the  pressures  reported  most 
frequently being “Diffuse – Agricultural” and “Diffuse – Other”. Significant pressures 

are considered as part of the application of the expert judgement approach adopted in 

74 

 
Cyprus;  good  chemical  status  is  assigned  to  unmonitored  water  bodies  in  either  the 

absence, or presence of minor, point and diffuse source pressures. 

As  stated  in  Section  4.2,  the  monitoring  programme  has  been  modified  and  updated 

since  the  first  RBMP.  This  has  been  informed  by  further  studies  and  investigations 
including  a  specific  contract  referenced  within  the  RBMP  (a  Department  of 

Environment project entitled: Preparation of an Inventory of Emissions, Discharges and 
Losses of Priority and Priority Hazardous Substances). Informed  by the results of this 

contract, updates of the monitoring program for Priority Substances have been made, to 
make it more targeted and informative and to reduce uncertainty. 

Some  progress  has  therefore  been  made  towards  addressing  this  recommendation. 
However it is partially fulfilled. 

  Recommendation:  Where  it  helps  to  achieve  the  necessary  analytical  sensitivity, 
Priority  Substances  whose  concentrations  are  difficult  to  measure  in  water  should 

where possible be monitored in  sediment  or biota so that they  can be included in  the 
chemical status assessment. The trend monitoring already being carried out in one or 

other of these matrices needs to cover at least the substances in Directive 2008/105/EC 
Article 3(3). 

Assessment:  With  regards  to  status  assessment,  Cyprus  clarified  that  mercury 
hexachlorobenzene (and hexachlorobutadiene) have been monitored in biota in coastal 

waters. In general, in Cyprus’ inland waters no suitable biota species for monitoring of 
Priority  Substances  have  been  identified  to  date.  DDT  p,p’,  hexachlorocyclohexane, 

lead, and cadmium have also been monitored in biota. Biota monitoring was performed 
at  two  monitoring  sites.  Cyprus  clarified  that  monitoring  was  performed  once  every 

year,  which  is  in  accordance  with  the  minimum  recommended  frequency  from  the 
Directive. 

With regards to long-term trend assessment, arrangements are not in place for the long-
term  trend  analysis  of  concentrations  of  the  required  Priority  substances  in  sediment 
and/or  biota.  Further  information  was  provided  by  Cyprus  stating  that  no  Priority 

Substances were monitored in sediment for any water body until 2013 and the results 
were  not  used  for  the  second  RBMP.  Cyprus  state  that  since  2013  the  substances 

referred in Directive 2008/105/EC for long term trend analysis have been monitored in 
river  sediments  (mainly  in  impounded  rivers/water  reservoirs,  but  also  in  few  natural 

rivers). 

75 

 
Some progress in implementing this recommendation has therefore been demonstrated, 

and it is partially fulfilled. 

  Recommendation: Efforts should be made to improve the quality of monitoring.  

Assessment: Around a quarter of all rivers and a third of lakes and coastal waters are 
monitored  for  chemical  status.  All  Priority  Substances  have  been  included  in  the 

the  exception  of  octylphenol  and  brominated 
monitoring  programme  with 
diphenylethers.  In  surface  freshwaters,  C10-13  chloroalkanes,  pentachlorobenzene, 

pentachlorophenol,  nonylphenol  and  tributyltin  compounds  have  also  not  been 
monitored.  

The  water  monitoring  frequencies  applied  by  Cyprus  are  described  in  details  in  the 
corresponding  section  above.  There  is  some  unclarity  on  whether  these  frequencies 

apply  for  both  operational  and  surveillance  monitoring.  These  frequencies  are  below 
the  minimum  recommended  frequency  for  operational  monitoring  and  no  explanation 

could  be  found  for  these  reduced  frequencies.  Cyprus  also  stated  that  5  monitoring 
results over the six  year cycle gives a sufficient  view of the situation for surveillance 

monitoring, but no detail was provided as to why this was sufficient (compared to the 
monthly frequency one year per cycle for surveillance monitoring). 

For  coastal  water  bodies,  monitoring  frequencies  of  twelve  times  per  year  every  year 
are reported for 39 Priority Substances at the site level. This is undertaken every year in 

coastal  waters  and  one  year  every  four  years  in  river  and  lake  water  bodies.  The 
monitoring  frequencies  are  therefore  consistent  with  the  recommended  minimum 

frequency for surveillance monitoring but not for operational monitoring in rivers and 
lakes.  

Monitoring of biota for status assessment in coastal water bodies was also reported at a 
low  number  of  sites,  at  the  recommended  minimum  frequency.  Cyprus  indicates  that 

octylphenol and brominated diphenylethers are being monitored since 2016 and will be 
included  in  the  assessment  of  chemical  status  for  the  third  RBMP.  The  analytical 
methods were also reported to comply with article 4(1) of the Directive 90/2009/EC. 

Progress in implementing this recommendation has therefore been shown. It is partially 
fulfilled. 

76 

 
 
 
Topic  5  Monitoring,  assessment  and  classification  of  quantitative 
status of groundwater bodies 

5.1.  Assessment of implementation and compliance with WFD requirements 

in second cycle 

5.1.1. Monitoring of quantitative status in groundwater 

The total number of groundwater bodies in Cyprus is 22. One GWB is in the areas of Cyprus in 

which the Government of the Republic of Cyprus does not have effective control. This GWB is 
not included in the RBMP and therefore is not covered by the following assessment46. All 21 
groundwater bodies (Table 5.2) that are in areas in which the Government of the Republic of 
Cyprus does exercise effective control are subject to monitoring for quantitative status (Table 

5.1).  

The  number  of  groundwater  bodies  in  areas  in  which  the  Government  of  the  Republic  of 

Cyprus has effective control increased from 20 in the first RBMP to 21 in the second RBMP 
but  the  total  groundwater  body  area  declined  by  5  %.  15  groundwater  bodies  remained 
unchanged since the first RBMP. 

The  number  of  monitored  groundwater  bodies  in  areas  in  which  the  Government  of  the 
Republic of Cyprus exercises effective control increased from 19 of 20 in the first RBMP to all 

21  in  the  second  RBMP.  The  number  of  monitoring  sites  for  quantitative  status  is  listed  in 
Table 5.3 and shows a slight decrease from 85 in the first RBMP to 82 in the second RBMP. 

13 of 21 groundwater bodies are identified as drinking water protected areas. 

Table 5.1 

Number of water bodies in Cyprus directly monitored and the purpose of 
monitoring 

RBD 

Total groundwater 
bodies directly 
monitored 

Monitoring Purpose 

CHE - Chemical status 

QUA – Quantitative status 

CY001 

21 

19 (21) 

21 

Source: WISE electronic reporting. The numbers in brackets were subsequently provided by Cyprus and do not 
match the data reported to WISE.  

Table 5.2 

Proportion of groundwater bodies in Cyprus monitored for quantitative status 

European Union 
RBD Code 

No of groundwater bodies 
with quantitative 
monitoring 

Total No. 
groundwater bodies 

% of total groundwater bodies monitored 
for quantitative status 

CY001 

21 

21 

100% 

Source: WISE electronic reporting 

46  The Republic of Cyprus subsequently clarified the precise total number of groundwater bodies and the specific 

situation of one groundwater body. 

77 

 
 
 
                                                      
Table 5.3 

Number of groundwater monitoring sites in Cyprus and their purpose  

RBD 

CY001 

Total groundwater 
monitoring sites 

Monitoring Purpose 

CHE - Chemical status 

QUA - Quantitative status 

141 (159) 

73 (92) 

81 (82) 

Source: WISE electronic reporting.  The numbers in brackets were subsequently provided by Cyprus and do not 
match the data reported to WISE. 

5.1.2. Assessment and classification of quantitative status for groundwater 

Map 5.1 displays the most recently assessed quantitative status of the 21 groundwater bodies in 
areas in which the Government of the Republic of Cyprus has effective control. It shows that 

five out of 21 groundwater bodies (24 %) were of good quantitative status and 16 (76 %) are 
below  good  status.  The  status  of  the  GWB  in  the  area  in  which  the  Government  of  the 

Republic of Cyprus does not have effective control is unknown. 

Map 5.1 

Map of the most recently assessed quantitative status of groundwater bodies  

Note: Standard colours based on WFD Annex V, Article 2(2)(4).  
Source: WISE, Eurostat (country borders) 

In terms of area, this means that in areas in which the Government of the Republic of Cyprus 
has  effective  control  about  57  %  are  failing  good  quantitative  status.  Figure  5.2  shows  the 

78 

GoodPoorUnknownRiver Basin DistrictsCountries outside the EU 
 
 
confidence in status classification. All groundwater bodies in areas in which the Government 
of  the  Republic  of  Cyprus  exercise  effective  control  now  have  a  clear  status,  in  the  second 
RBMP. This represents an improvement since the first RBMP, in which one groundwater body 
was  of  unknown  status.  The  status  of  the  GWB  in  the  area  in  which  the  Government  of  the 
Republic of Cyprus does not exercise effective control is unknown. 

Figure 5.1  Quantitative  status  of  groundwater  bodies  in  Cyprus  for  the  second  RBMP, 
for  the  first  RBMP  and  expected  in  2015.  The  number  in  the  parenthesis  is 

the  number  of  groundwater  bodies  for  both  cycles.  Note  the  period  of  the 
assessment of status for the second RBMP was 2008 to 2014. The year of the 

assessment of status for first RBMP is not known 

Source: WISE electronic reporting  

79 

 
 
Figure 5.2  Confidence in the classification of quantitative status of groundwater bodies 

in Cyprus based on the most recent assessment of status  

Source: WISE electronic reporting 

The  total  number  of  groundwater  bodies  failing  good  quantitative  status  increased  from  15 
groundwater bodies in the first RBMP to 16 in the second RBMP but in terms of groundwater 

body area failing good quantitative status, the situation has improved significantly from 92 % 
of the total groundwater body area in the first RBMP to 57 % in the second RBMP. 

For  the  one  River  Basin  District  in  Cyprus  water  balance  was  assessed  by  a  comparison  of 
annual average groundwater abstraction against the ‘available groundwater resource’ for every 

groundwater body. 

The  reasons  for  the  failure  of  good  quantitative  status  of  groundwater  bodies  are  shown  in 

Figure 5.3. 16 groundwater bodies are failing good status due to failing the water balance test, 
which  means  that  the  long-term  annual  average  rate  of  groundwater  abstraction  is  exceeding 

the  available  groundwater  resource  and  nine  groundwater  bodies  are  failing  due  to  saline 
intrusion. The expected date of achievement of good quantitative status in Cyprus is shown in 

Figure 5.4 and it is beyond 2027.  

80 

 
 
Figure 5.3  Reasons for the failure of good quantitative status of groundwater  in Cyprus 

based on the most recent assessment of status  

Source: WISE electronic reporting 

Notes: 
‘Water balance’ = long-term annual average rate of abstraction exceeds the available groundwater resource which 
may result in a decrease of groundwater levels. 

‘Surface water’ = Failure to achieve Environmental Objectives (Article 4 WFD) for associated surface water 
bodies resulting from anthropogenic water level alteration or change in flow conditions; significant diminution of 
the status of surface waters resulting from anthropogenic water level alteration or change in flow conditions. 

‘Groundwater dependent terrestrial ecosystems’ = Significant damage to groundwater dependent terrestrial 
ecosystems resulting from an anthropogenic water level alteration. 

‘Saline or other intrusion’ = Regional saline or other intrusions resulting from anthropogenic induced sustained 
changes in flow direction. 

81 

 
 
 
 
Figure 5.4  Expected date of achievement of  good quantitative and good chemical status 

of  groundwater  bodies  in  Cyprus.  21  groundwater  bodies  delineated  for 
second RBMP 

Source: WISE electronic reporting  

The  criterion  of  ‘available  groundwater  resource’  has  been  fully  applied  in  accordance  with 

Article 2(27). All environmental objectives have been considered in the status assessment. 

In total 16 groundwater bodies (76 %) are at risk of failing good quantitative status due to harm 

to actual or potential legitimate uses or functions of groundwater. 

5.1.3.  Consideration  of  groundwater  associated  surface  waters  and/or  groundwater 

dependent ecosystems 

Groundwater  associated  surface  waters  have  been  reported.  They  are  not  related  to  risk  and 

they have been considered in status assessment. 

Groundwater  bodies  are  linked  with  groundwater  dependent  terrestrial  ecosystems.  They  are 

also  not  related  to  risk  and  they  have  been  considered  in  status  assessment.  The  needs  of 
terrestrial ecosystems have not been considered in status assessment. 

5.2.  Main changes in implementation and compliance since first cycle 

15 of 21 groundwater bodies remained unchanged since the first RBMP. 

82 

 
 
The  RBMP  and  background  documents  assessed  did  not  include  a  separate  document  or 

chapter  indicating  changes  as  compared  to  the  first  RBMPs.  Yet,  it  appears  that  the  applied 
methodologies have not been modified47. 

The number of groundwater bodies slightly increased and the groundwater body area decreased 
by 5 %. The changes in the number of groundwater bodies occurred because one groundwater 

body  was  deleted  and  three  others  were  "split"  into  two,  so  the  overall  resulting  number  of 
groundwater bodies became 21. 

The  monitoring  situation  has  improved,  since  all  groundwater  bodies  are  now  subject  to 
monitoring. 

The status changes show significant improvement as well. The number of groundwater bodies 
failing good quantitative status increased slightly but in terms of groundwater body area failing 

good  quantitative  status,  the  situation  improved  significantly  from  92  %  of  the  total 
groundwater  body  area  in  the  first  RBMP  to  57  %  in  the  second  RBMP.  RBMP  and 
background  document  investigations  identified  that  there  was  a  change  from  poor  to  good 

status  in  groundwater  body  CY19  because  the  pressure  levels  in  the  boreholes  showed  an 
upward trend. No further explanation is found on why this is the case. 

5.3. Progress with Commission recommendations 

 

Recommendation: Provide a more detailed analysis of pressures and impacts, as well as 

an improved risk assessment based on the improvement of the monitoring network. The 

RBMPs  should  be  explicit  about  the  impacts  related  to  each  significant  pressure  and 
provide  quantitative  figures  on  the  scale  of  the  pressures  that  need  to  be  reduced,  to 
reach WFD objectives. 

Assessment: From the reported information progress in monitoring has taken place, but 
the  information  on  impacts  and  significant  pressures  could  be  improved.  This 

recommendation is considered partially fulfilled.  

 

Recommendation:  Utilise  metering  (especially  for  agriculture)  to  better  determine 

quantitative status of WBs and to secure their long-term protection because abstraction 

of  groundwater  is  a  significant  pressure  in  Cyprus,  mainly  due  to  unregulated  self-
abstractions and permits not consistent with environmental needs.   

47  While this information was not assessed, Cyprus subsequently clarified that in Chapter 7.2.2 pp 7-87 7-89 of 
the  RBMP  the  changes  in  GWBs  as  compared  to  first  RBMP  and  their  justifications  are  presented.  More 
detailed information is provided in Chapter 4 of the  document Classification_suppl_CY_2015.pdf which has 
been reported. 

83 

 
                                                      
This  recommendation  is  addressed  in  Topic  10.  It  has  been  assessed  as  partially 

fulfilled.  

  Recommendation: Where there are currently high uncertainties in the characterisation 
of the RBDs, identification of pressures, and in the assessment of status, these need to 
be addressed in the current cycle, to ensure that adequate measures can be put in place 

before the next cycle. 

Assessment:  The  confidence  in  the  status  assessment  of  three  quarters  of  the 

groundwater bodies is medium or low. Relatively little progress has been made. Cyprus 
subsequently clarified that there has been a reporting error and that the assessment of 

the  status  for  the  second  RBMP  is  based  on  a  solid  dataset  and  presents  high 
confidence. 

84 

 
 
 
Topic  6  Monitoring,  assessment  and  classification  of  chemical 
status of groundwater bodies 

6.1.  Assessment of implementation and compliance with WFD requirements 

in second cycle 

6.1.1. Monitoring of chemical status in groundwater 

The total number of groundwater bodies in Cyprus is 21 (Table 2.3) of which 33 % are at risk. 

Neither surveillance monitoring nor operational monitoring sites were reported, however, there 
were 73 chemical status monitoring sites in 19 groundwater bodies reported (Table 5.2). 

The number of groundwater bodies increased from 20 in the first RBMP to 21 in the second 
RBMP but the total groundwater body area declined by 5 %. 15 groundwater bodies remained 

unchanged since the first RBMP.  

In the first RBMP 84 surveillance and 68 operational monitoring sites have been reported, in 

the second RBMP 73 chemical status monitoring sites are available. There is no indication in 
the WISE electronic reports whether these sites are surveillance and/or operational monitoring 
sites,  thus  a  comparison  between  first  and  second  RBMP  was  not  possible.  The  number  of 
monitoring sites is listed in Table 348. 

Several substances causing risk of deterioration in chemical status were reported, but there is 

no  monitoring  established  for  these  substances.  From  the  WFD  core  parameters  of  nitrate, 
ammonium, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen and pH, only nitrate and conductivity are 
monitored.49 

6.1.2. Assessment and classification of chemical status in groundwater 

Map 6.1 and Figure 6.1 display the chemical status of groundwater bodies for the most recently 
assessed  status.  It  shows  that  14  of  2150  groundwater  bodies  (67  %)  were  of  good  chemical 
status, and the remaining seven groundwater bodies (33 %) are failing good status. In terms of 
area  this  means  that  about  12  %  are  failing  good  chemical  status.  Figure  6.2  shows  the 

confidence  in  status  classifications.  All  groundwater  bodies  now  have  a  clear  status,  in  the 

48  Cyprus  subsequently  clarified,  that  the  chemical  monitoring  has  improved  in  the  2nd  cycle  RBMP  and  the 

chemical status is based on 92 operational monitoring stations. All stations are monitored twice a year. 

49    Cyprus subsequently clarified that all WFD core substances are monitored in all groundwater bodies. 
50  Cyprus subsequently clarified that the  total  number of  groundwater bodies in  Cyprus is 22. One  GWB is in 
those areas in which the Government does not exercise effective control. In the second RBMP all groundwater 
bodies (21) that are in areas in which the Government exercises effective control are included. The status of 
the GWB in the area in which the Government does not exercise effective control is unknown. 

85 

 
                                                      
second RBMP. This  situation improved as  for the first  RBMP one groundwater body  was of 

unknown status. 

Map 6.1  Map  of  chemical  status  of  groundwater  bodies  in  Cyprus  based  on  the  most 

recently assessed status of the groundwater water bodies 

Note: Standard colours based on WFD Annex V, Article 2.4.5. 
Source: WISE, Eurostat (country borders) 

86 

GoodPoorUnknownRiver Basin DistrictsCountries outside the EU 
 
 
 
Figure 6.1  Chemical status of groundwater bodies in Cyprus for the second RBMP, for the 

first RBMP and expected in 2015. The number in the parenthesis is the number 
of groundwater bodies for both cycles. Note the period of the assessment of status 

for the second RBMP was 2008 to 2014. The year of the assessment of status for 
first RBMP is not known  

Figure 6.2  Confidence  in  the  classification  of  chemical  status  of  groundwater  bodies  in      

Cyprus based on the most recent assessment of status  

Source: WISE electronic reporting 

Source: WISE electronic reporting 

The total number of groundwater bodies failing good chemical status decreased since the first 
RBMP from eight (40 %) to seven (33 %) groundwater bodies (see Figure 6.1). The total area 

of groundwater bodies failing good chemical status remained nearly the same (slight increase 
from 11.7 % to 11.9 % of the total groundwater body area). The expected date of achievement 

of good chemical status in Cyprus is shown in Figure 5.4. 

87 

 
 
 
The reasons for the failure of good chemical status of groundwater bodies are shown in Figure 

6.3.  For  seven  groundwater  bodies  the  general  assessment  of  the  chemical  status  for  the 
groundwater body as a whole failed. This assessment considers the significant environmental 

risk from pollutants across a groundwater body and a significant impairment of the ability to 
support human uses. Five groundwater bodies are failing good chemical status due to saline or 

other  intrusion.  Figure  6.4  shows  the  pollutants  causing  failure  of  status  and  a  sustained 
upward trend.  

The classification of the chemical status of the groundwater body as a whole was reported in an 
additional  classification-document.  There  was  no  systematic  overall  approach  described  on 

how  the  calculation  of  the  extent  of  exceedance  of  a  groundwater  quality  standard  or  a 
groundwater threshold value was assessed and what an acceptable extent of exceedance was. 

Cyprus subsequently clarified that an overall approach is described in the RBMPs, e.g. for each 
parameter  the  mean  value  of  all  the  measurements  is  compared  to  the  determined  threshold 
value.  In  case  of  exceedance  of  the  threshold  value  the  chemical  status  of  the  groundwater 

body is assessed as poor.  

Figure 6.3  Reasons  for  failing  good  chemical  status  in  Cyprus  for  the  most  recent 

assessment of status  

Source: WISE electronic reporting 

Notes: 
‘Surface water’ = Failure to achieve Environmental Objectives (Article 4 WFD) in associated surface water 
bodies or significant diminution of the ecological or chemical status of such surface water bodies. 
‘Groundwater dependent terrestrial ecosystems’ = Significant damage to terrestrial ecosystems which depend 
directly on the groundwater body. 
‘Saline or other intrusion’ = Regional saline or other intrusions resulting from anthropogenically induced 
sustained changes in flow direction. 

‘Drinking Water Protected Area’ = Deterioration in quality of waters for human consumption. 
‘General water quality assessment’ = Significant impairment of human uses; significant environmental risk from 
pollutants across the groundwater body. 

88 

 
 
Groundwater threshold values have been established for all pollutants or indicators of pollution 
causing  a  risk  of  failure  of  good  chemical  status.  The  RBMP  and  background  document 
assessment found an indication that all Groundwater Directive51 Annex II substances had been 
considered for establishing threshold values. 

Threshold  values  have  been  established  separately  for  each  groundwater  body.  These  values 
were  based  on  measurements  of  the  WFD  groundwater  monitoring  network  until  2008  and 

other measurements from an expanded groundwater monitoring network. The data from 2008–
2013 do not differentiate from the data which were used to establish the threshold values. The 

threshold values considered the natural concentration of pollutants in groundwater, the current 
and future use of water and the hydrogeological conditions prevailing in each water body. In 

groundwater bodies which were used for water supply but also for irrigation or other uses, the 
threshold  values  were  the  drinking  water  standards.  In  groundwater  bodies  used  only  for 
irrigation threshold values were derived from the upper acceptable limits for irrigation water. 

Figure 6.4 

Top groundwater pollutants causing failure of good chemical status in Cyprus 

Source: WISE electronic reporting.  

Note: 8 pollutants reported causing failure. 
Natural  background  levels  were  considered  in  the  development  of  groundwater  threshold 
values. In groundwater bodies influenced by natural background levels, threshold values were 

determined  on  a  case-by-case  basis  using  an  empirical  methodology  based  on  the  range  of 

51 Directive 2006/118/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2006 on the protection 

of groundwater against pollution and deterioration: 

  http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:02006L0118-20140711 

89 

 
 
 
                                                      
concentrations  found  in  the  monitoring  data,  for  which  the  indicators  showed  no  human 

intervention. 

6.1.3. Consideration  of  groundwater  associated  surface  waters  and/  or  groundwater 

dependent ecosystems 

Groundwater  associated  surface  waters  have  been  reported,  they  are  not  related  to  risk. 

Diminution damage was considered when assessing groundwater qualitative status. 

Groundwater bodies are linked with groundwater dependent terrestrial ecosystems, they are not 

related to risk and they have not been considered in status assessment. Groundwater associated 
aquatic  ecosystems  and  groundwater  dependent  terrestrial  ecosystems  have  both  been 

considered in the establishment of groundwater threshold values. Figure 6.5 shows the top 10 
pollutants  with  upward  trends  in  groundwater  bodies.  Figure  6.6  shows  the  percentage  of 

groundwater bodies at risk of failing good chemical status and good quantitative status. 

Figure 6.5  Top pollutants with upward trends in groundwater bodies in Cyprus 

Source:  WISE electronic reporting  

90 

 
 
 
 
 
Figure 6.6 

Percentage of groundwater bodies in Cyprus at risk of failing good chemical status 
and good quantitative status for the second RBMP 

Source: WISE electronic reporting 

6.2.  Main changes in implementation and compliance since first cycle 

In  the  first  RBMP  84  surveillance  and  68  operational  monitoring  sites  were  reported,  in  the 
second  RBMP  73  chemical  status  monitoring  sites  were  reported.  Cyprus  subsequently 

clarified  that  there  are  incorrect  data  in  the  WISE  electronic  reports.  In  fact  the  chemical 
monitoring  program  has  been  upgraded  and  considerable  improvement  of  the  quality  of 

monitoring in groundwater bodies is achieved. The chemical monitoring of groundwater bodies 
now consists of 92 operational stations. Sampling takes place twice a year. 

The RBMP and background document assessment did not find a specific chapter summarising 
the changes since the first Plan. Also from screening the relevant chapter, no changes regarding 

methodologies were noticed, just the use of updated monitoring data (2008–2014). 

The number of groundwater bodies increased from 20 in the first RBMP to 21 in the second 

RBMP but the total groundwater body area declined by 5 %. 15 groundwater bodies remained 
unchanged since the first RBMP.52  

The  status  situation  mainly  remains  unchanged.  The  number  of  groundwater  bodies  failing 
good status slightly declined from eight to seven but the groundwater body area failing good 

status  increased  slightly  from  11.7  %  to  11.9  %  of  the  total  groundwater  body  area.  The 
changes in status are mainly due to the re-delineation of groundwater bodies. In addition, one 

groundwater  body  with  unknown  status  has  now  a  clear  status.  All  three  new  groundwater 

52 As mentioned earlier, deletion/merging of one groundwater body and three were split. 

91 

 
 
                                                      
bodies  are  of  good  chemical  status,  one  improved  from  poor  to  good  status.  An  initial 

examination of the supplementary "classification" document and the specific analysis did not 
find any explanation as to why the status improved. 

6.3.  Progress with Commission recommendations 

The  Commission  recommendations  based  on  the  first  RBMPs  and  first  Programme  of 
Measures requested action on the following: 

  Recommendation: Where there are currently high uncertainties in the characterisation 
of the RBDs, identification of pressures, and in the assessment of status, these need to 
be addressed in the current cycle, to ensure that adequate measures can be put in place 

before the next cycle. 

  Assessment:  The  confidence  in  status  assessment  of  two  thirds  of  the  groundwater 

bodies is medium or low. In addition, there is apparently no monitoring performed.  

  Cyprus  subsequently  clarified  that  there  are  incorrect  data  in  the  WISE  electronic 

reports. The chemical status is in fact based on 92 operational monitoring stations. All 
stations  are  monitored  twice  a  year.  Thus  the  assessment  of  the  status  in  the  second 

RBMP appears to be based on a solid dataset and is characterised with high confidence. 
The  additional  information  provided  by  Cyprus  indicates  that  for  the  groundwater 

bodies the recommendation can be considered as fulfilled. 

  Recommendation: Efforts should be made to improve the quality of monitoring. 

Assessment: Neither surveillance nor operational  monitoring was reported although it 
seems  clear  that  monitoring  took  place.  Cyprus  subsequently  clarified,  that  there  is 

incorrect data in the WISE electronic reports. In fact, the chemical monitoring program 
has  been  upgraded  and  considerable  improvement  of  the  quality  of  monitoring  in 

groundwater bodies is achieved. Therefore, with the additional information provided by 
Cyprus,  for  groundwater  bodies  the  recommendation  can  be  largely  considered  as 
fulfilled. 

  Recommendation:  Groundwater  trend  assessments  and  trend  reversal  should  be 

improved in the second RBMP cycle.  

Assessment:  A  trend  assessment  methodology  is  available  and  trend  assessment  has 

been  performed  but  neither  a  methodology  for  trend  reversal  nor  any  monitoring  of 
trend  was  found.  Cyprus  subsequently  clarified,  that  the  trend  and  trend  reversal 

assessment  methodology  is  described  in  a  background  document  and  applied  to  all 
groundwater bodies. Therefore the additional information provided by Cyprus indicates 
that this recommendation is largely fulfilled. 

92 

 
 
Topic  7  Designation  of  Heavily  Modified  and  Artificial  Water 
Bodies and definition of Good Ecological Potential 

7.1. Assessment of implementation and compliance with WFD requirements 

in second cycle for designation  

7.1.1. Designation of Heavily Modified and Artificial Water Bodies 

In  total  56  surface  water  bodies  were  designated  as  heavily  modified  water  bodies  and  one 

surface  water  body  was  defined  as  an  artificial  water  body.  The  proportion  of  total  water 
bodies  in  each  category  is  given  in  Figure  7.1.  The  WFD  requires  a  review  of  designation 

every  six  years.  As  mentioned  further  below,  only  minor  changes  have  been  noted  in  the 
designation  of  river  heavily  modified  water  bodies  since  the  first  cycle  RBMP,  while  more 

significant changes took place for lake and coastal heavily modified water bodies. The review 
of the designation of HMWB has been based on CIS Guidance Document No 4. Out of the 50 

designated river heavily modified water bodies, there were 15 reservoirs that where originally 
rivers.  This  represented  a  change  in  the  approach  used  in  the  first  RBMP,  where  reservoirs 
were reported as heavily modified lakes and not as heavily modified rivers.  

Figure 7.1 

Proportion of total water bodies in each category in Cyprus that has been 
designated as heavily modified or artificial  

Source: WISE electronic reports 

The main water uses for which river water bodies were designated as heavily modified water 
bodies  were  irrigation  for  agriculture  and  drinking  water  supply  for  urban  use.  Lake  heavily 

93 

 
 
modified water bodies were designated mainly due to urban development and coastal heavily 

modified water bodies due to navigation/ports and urban development. 

The  main  physical  alterations  of 

river  heavily  modified  water  bodies  were 

weirs/dams/reservoirs. The main alterations of coastal heavily modified water bodies were land 
reclamation / coastal modifications / ports, while the alterations of lake heavily modified water 

bodies were other alterations not specified in WISE.  

The  methodology  for  heavily  modified  water  body  designation  explains  the  identification  of 

substantial changes in character as well as information on the assessment of significant adverse 
effect on the use and the assessment of better environmental options. While some criteria are 

mentioned, it also is evident that expert judgement was used in some of the steps. The focus of 
the methodology was on river water bodies linked to dams; the two lakes and the four coastal 

water bodies were assessed in less detail and less specific criteria were applied. 

For  identifying  and  describing  significant  changes  in  hydromorphology,  the  criteria  applied 
include: 

  The  total  length  of  each  water  body  that  is  altered  from  roads  or  other  human 
interventions. In case that the length affected is greater than 30 % of the total length of 
the water body the hydromorphological pressure is considered as significant.  

  The  total  number  of  small  abstractions  in  each  surface  water  body.  When  the  total 
number  of  abstractions  is  greater  than  five,  the  hydromorphological  pressure  is 

considered as significant. It should be noted that small abstractions are related to small 
works (weirs) or other interventions in the river banks.  

  The  presence  of  a  dam;  the  hydromorphologic  alterations  in  impounded  rivers  are 
considered  as  significant.  Additionally  for  the  streams  downstream  a  dam,  a 

hydromorphological  pressure  is  considered  as  significant  in  cases  that  the  area  of  the 
river  basin  of  the  dam  is  greater  than  20  %  of  the  total  area  of  the  river  basin  of  the 

downstream river. 

  Hydromorphological pressures are also considered significant in water bodies that are 

related to urban areas or affected by flood protection constructions. 

  For the coastal water bodies the presence of port facilities is considered as well as the 

presence of urban areas.  

94 

 
A  registry  for  small  abstractions  has  also  been  completed  (as  part  of  the  first  Programme  of 

Measures) and used as an information base for establishing the significant hydromorphological 
alterations. It is also mentioned that in the context of the revision of the Article 5 analysis on 

pressures  and  impacts  and  the  significant  water  management  issues,  "the  effects  on 
morphology  and  hydrology  of  rivers  of  artificial  surfaces  and  small  abstractions  have  been 

identified and assessed". 

The substantial changes in character due to physical alterations of water bodies are assessed as 

follows: 

  Water  bodies  with  substantial  and  permanent  morphological  alterations  without 

necessarily presenting permanent hydrological changes  

  Water  bodies  downstream  of  dams  with  substantial  hydrological  changes.  For  the 
evaluation  of  the  hydrological  changes  in  water  bodies  downstream  of  dams,  the 
changes  in  their  types  is  considered  (Intermittent  streams  that  are  changed  to  harsh 
intermittent  streams  and  harsh  intermittent  streams  that  are  changed  to  ephemeral 
streams).  

The assessment of significant adverse effects was explicitly mentioned only for river heavily 
modified water bodies downstream of dams (used for urban water supply/irrigation) and river 

heavily  modified  water  bodies  facing  pressures  due  to  abstractions  (but  not  for  lakes  and 
coastal  water  bodies).  The  supply  systems  related  to  the  dams  of  the  river  heavily  modified 

water  bodies  are  interconnected  to  cover  the  supply  of  wider  areas.  For  these  reasons  the 
designation tests of significant adverse effects on the use and better environmental options are 

applied for the group of all the related water bodies. 

The main restoration measure considered was the provision of environmental flows. According 

to  the assessment,  given the dependency  of urban water supply  and agriculture on dams,  the 
provision of environmental flows would mean a reduction of water availability for urban and 

agricultural use. Concerning effects on the wider environment, it was noted that the provision 
of  environmental  flows  would  not  adversely  affect  lake  environments/wetlands  linked  to 

reservoirs. 

Furthermore, an assessment of other means was carried out. For urban water supply, the other 

means  considered  were  water  savings,  expanding  desalination  and  increasing  groundwater 
abstractions.  For  irrigation,  the  other  means  considered  were  water  savings  (through  various 

means,  including  water  pricing),  increasing  the  use  of  recycled  water  and  increasing 
groundwater abstractions. The assessment concluded that other means (such as water savings, 

95 

 
expanding desalination and use of recycled water) are already in place or planned but these are 

not reliable to cover the needs for the water uses supplied by the current dams. The possibility 
of  using  further  other  means  to  cover  the  needs  is  practically  negligible,  due  to 

disproportionate costs. 

7.1.2. Definition of Good Ecological  Potential for Heavily Modified  and Artificial  Water 

Bodies 

Good  ecological  potential  was  reported  as  defined  at  water  body  level  using  the  Prague 

approach (based on the identification of mitigation measures).  

Good  ecological  potential  has  not  been  defined  in  terms  of  biology,  but  the  information 

reported in WISE indicates biological quality elements for which biological values have been 
derived to define maximum ecological potential and good ecological potential (namely benthic 

invertebrates,  phytoplankton,  macrophytes  and  phytobenthos).  A  comparison  between  good 
ecological potential and good ecological status has not been done. 

According  to  information  in  the  RBMP,  the  good  ecological  potential  for  river  heavily 

modified water bodies is defined through application of all mitigation measures. Based on the 
efforts made in terms of the mitigation measures, the potential is estimated, e.g. if more than 

70%  of  measures  relevant  to  a  specific  heavily  modified  water  body  are  taken,  then  the 
potential  is  reported  as  good.  For  some  heavily  modified  water  bodies,  it  is  stated  that  the 

current status can be assumed as good potential. 

The  good ecological  potential for reservoirs  (impounded rivers) is  defined based on the high 

and  good  ecological  status  of  the  same  type  of  lake  water  bodies  (which  was  the  approach 
previously used in  the  first  RBMP).53 Good ecological  potential for coastal  heavily modified 
water bodies was also defined using the values for natural coastal water bodies. However, the 
coastal  heavily  modified  water  bodies  will  be  re-assessed  for  the  next  cycle  on  the  basis  of 

scientific developments and new data/information that will result from the activities/measures 
planned under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). 

Good ecological potential definition has not been established for lake heavily modified water 
bodies as more information is needed on the two lake heavily modified water bodies regarding 

their natural characteristics and the results of the pressure analysis. 

53  Cypriot  authorities  subsequently  informed  that  GEP  for  impounded  rivers  was  directly  established  in  the 
intercalibration exercise of the Med Lakes GIG, by treating the reservoir HMWB as natural lakes. Therefore, 
MEP and GEP were directly determined based on actual data. 

96 

 
                                                      
Biological  quality  element  assessment  methods  sensitive  to  hydrological  and  morphological 
changes were reported for rivers and coastal waters, but not for lakes.54 One method to assess 
macrophytes  in  rivers  and  one  method  to  assess  benthic  invertebrates  in  coastal  waters  were 

reported as sensitive to hydromorphological changes. 

Mitigation  measures  for  defining  good  ecological  potential  have  been  reported.  A  library  of 

mitigation  measures  was  established  and  for  each  measure,  a  link  of  the  measure  to  the 
hydromorphological  elements  of  the  WFD  was  provided.  The  ecological  changes  expected 

from the mitigation measures in biological terms are not described. 

7.2.  Main changes in implementation and compliance since first cycle 

There were only minor changes in the designation of river water bodies as heavily modified, 

namely their number increased by one heavily modified water body since the first RBMP. In 
the case of lake and coastal heavily modified water body, more significant changes took place 

since the first RBMP. The number of designated lake heavily modified water body decreased 
from  twelve  to  two  and  of  designated  coastal  heavily  modified  water  bodies  from  seven  to 

four.  No  changes  were  noted  in  the  number  of  Artificial  Water  Bodies;  only  one  lake  was 
designated as an artificial Water Body, similar to the first RBMP.  

In the first RBMP, existing reservoirs were reported as heavily modified lakes. In the second 
RBMP,  reservoirs  have  been  designated  as  river  heavily  modified  water  bodies,  following 

Common  Implementation  Strategy  guidance  on  this  issue.  Furthermore,  four  river  heavily 
modified water bodies were added (reservoirs of the Kannaviou  dam,  which was constructed 

during  the  elaboration  of  the  first  RBMP  as  well  as  for  the  Arminou,  Tamassos  and  Akaki-
Malounda dams that are smaller than 0.5 km2 and were therefore not regarded as distinct water 
bodies in the first RBMP). Any further modifications to the number of river heavily modified 
water bodies were due to new information from investigations and monitoring. 

The  number  of  lake  heavily  modified  water  bodies  has  decreased  due  to  the  change  of 
reservoirs into river heavily modified water bodies (see above); in addition, one more lake is 

designated as heavily modified water body due to significant hydromorphological pressures. 

The number of coastal heavily modified water bodies has been reduced due to combining three 

water bodies into one (based on new information from monitoring "and other investigations") 
and due to excluding two coastal water bodies over which the Cyprus does not have effective 

control (and had been included in the first RBMP). 

54    Cyprus  subsequently  informed  that  BQEs  sensitive  to  hydromorphology,  e.g.  macrophytes  or  fish,  are  not 

proposed to be monitored in natural lakes because they are not applicable. 

97 

 
                                                      
In  general,  no  changes  are  described  on  the  methodology  for  designating  heavily  modified 

water  bodies;  at  the  same  time,  additional  information  and  modifications  e.g.  regarding  the 
status assessments have occurred. 

According to WISE, good ecological potential was reported in the second RBMP as defined. In 
the  first  RBMP,  good  ecological  potential  had  not  been  defined  for  most  of  the  water  types. 

Explicit changes to the methodology since the first RBMPs have not been described.  

7.3.  Progress with Commission recommendations 

The  Commission  recommendations  based  on  the  first  RBMPs  and  first  Programme  of 
Measures requested action on the following: 

  Recommendation:  (report  2012)  The  designation  of  heavily  modified  water  bodies 
should comply with all the requirements of Article 4(3). The assessment of significant 

adverse  effects  on  their  use  or  the  environment  and  the  lack  of  significantly  better 
environmental options should be specifically mentioned in the RBMPs. This is needed 

to ensure transparency of the designation process. 

Assessment:  Overall,  the  designation  of  heavily  modified  water  bodies  has  been 

reviewed  for  the  second  RBMP  considering  also  water  bodies  downstream  of  dams. 
Impounded rivers have been designated as heavily modified water body rivers (and not 

lakes which was the case in the first RBMPs). The methodology for heavily modified 
water body designation explains the identification of substantial changes in character as 

well as information on the assessment of significant adverse effect on the use and the 
assessment of better environmental options. Also, a registry for small abstractions has 
been  completed  (as  part  of  the  first  Programme  of  Measures)  and  used  as  an 
information base for establishing the significant hydromorphological alterations. While 
some criteria are mentioned, it seems that also expert judgement is used in some of the 

steps.  

Details of the outcome of the designation tests of significant adverse effects on the use 

and  better  environmental  options  are  not  reported  for  individual  water  bodies.  The 
supply  systems  related  to  the  dams  of  the  river  heavily  modified  water  bodies  are 

interconnected  to  cover  the  supply  of  wider  areas.  For  these  reasons  the  designation 
tests  of  significant  adverse  effects  on  the  use  and  better  environmental  options  are 

applied for the group of all the related water bodies. The focus of the methodology is 
on river water bodies linked to dams. The two lakes and the four coastal water bodies 
are  assessed  in  less  detail  and  less  specific  criteria  are  applied.  For  lakes  there  is  no 

98 

 
available data about the status of the biological quality elements. For this reason, only 

the significance of the hydromorphological alterations is considered. The coastal water 
bodies that are designated as HMWBs from the first cycle RBMP are classified at good 

ecological status.  In the second cycle RBMP, they are maintained as HMWB but it is 
expected that in the next RBMP they will be considered as natural. 

It  is  also  noted  that  abstractions  are  associated  to  "substantial  changes  in  character", 
which  needs  to  be  reconsidered  in  the  context  of  relevant  principles  in  the  Common 

Implementation  Strategy  Guidance  No.  4.  Overall,  progress  has  been  made  on  the 
issues outlined in this recommendation; the recommendation is considered as partially 

fulfilled as the methodological details are mainly given on river water bodies. 

99 

 
 
 
Topic 8 Environmental objectives and exemptions 

8.1.  Assessment  of 

implementation  and 

compliance  with  WFD 

requirements in second cycle 

8.1.1.  Environmental objectives 

The  environmental  objectives  are  defined  in  Article  4  of  the  WFD.  The  aim  is  long-term 
sustainable water management based on a high level of protection of the aquatic environment. 

Article 4(1) defines the WFD general objective to be achieved in all surface and groundwater 
bodies,  i.e.  good  status  by  2015.  Within  that  general  objective,  specific  environmental 

objectives are defined for heavily modified water bodies (good ecological potential and good 
chemical status by 201555), groundwater (good chemical and quantitative status by 2015) and 
for Protected Areas (achievement of the objectives of the associated Directive by 2015 unless 
otherwise specified). 

Environmental objectives for ecological and chemical status have been reported for the single 
Cypriot  RBD  as  well  as  for  good  quantitative  and  chemical  status.  The  Commission 

recommendation to set environmental objectives for all water bodies for the second RBMP has 
been considered and objectives are reported. 

Member States are also required to specify additional environmental objectives and standards 
in  Protected  Areas  where  these  are  required  to  ensure  the  requirements  of  the  associated 

Directive  are  met.  An  assessment  of  such  additional  objectives  for  Cyprus  is  provided  in 
Chapter 15 of this report. 

Assessments  of  the  current  status  of  surface  and  groundwater  bodies  in  Cyprus  are  provided 
elsewhere in this report: for ecological status/potential of surface waters (Chapter 3); chemical 

status  of  surface  waters  (Chapter  4);  quantitative  status  of  groundwater  bodies  (Chapter  5); 
chemical status of groundwater bodies (Chapter 6); status of surface and groundwater bodies 

associated with Protected Areas (Chapter 15). 

For the second cycle plans, Member States were required to report the date when they expect 
each  surface  and  groundwater  body  to  meet  its  environmental  objective.  This  information  is 

summarised  for  Cyprus  elsewhere  in  this  report:  for  ecological  status/potential  of  surface 

55 For priority substances newly introduced by Directive 2013/39/EU, good status should be reached by 2027, and 
for  the  2008  priority  substances,  for  which  the  Environmental  Quality  Standards  were  revised  by  Directive 

2013/39/EU, good status should be reached in 2021. 

100 

 
                                                      
waters  (Chapter  3);  chemical  status  of  surface  waters  (Chapter  4);  quantitative  status  of 

groundwater bodies (Chapter 5); chemical status of groundwater bodies (Chapter 6).  

8.1.2.  Exemptions 

Where  environmental  objectives  are  not  yet  achieved  exemptions  can  be  applied  in  case  the 
respective conditions are met and the required justifications are explained in the RBMP. Figure 

8.1 summarises the percentage of water bodies expected to be at least in good status in 2015 
and  the  use  of  at  least  one  exemption  in  Cyprus  for  the  four  main  sets  of  environmental 

objectives. 

Figure 8.1 

Water bodies in Cyprus expected to be in at least good status in 2015 and 

use of exemptions. 1 = Surface water body ecological status/potential; 2 = 
Surface  water  body  chemical  status;  3  =  Groundwater  body  quantitative 

status; 4 = Groundwater body chemical status  

Source: WISE electronic reports 

Article  4  of  the  WFD  allows  under  certain  conditions  for  different  exemptions  to  the 

objectives:  extension  of  deadlines  beyond  2015,  less  stringent  objectives,  a  temporary 
deterioration,  or  deterioration  /  non-achievement  of  good  status  /  good  potential  due  to  new 

modifications, provided a set of conditions is fulfilled. The exemptions under WFD Article 4 
include the provisions in Article 4(4)  - extension of deadline, Article 4(5) - lower objectives, 

Article 4(6) - temporary deterioration, and Article 4(7) - new modifications / new sustainable 

101 

 
 
human  development  activities.  Article  4(4)  exemptions  may  be  justified  by:  disproportionate 

cost,  technical  feasibility  or  natural  conditions,  and  Article  4(5)  by  disproportionate  cost  or 
technical feasibility. 

Figure 8.2 summarises the percentage of water bodies subject to each type of exemption (and 
reason) in relation to the four types of environmental objectives in Cyprus. 

102 

 
Figure 8.2 

Type  of  exemptions  reported  to  be  applied  to  surface  water  and 

groundwater  bodies  for  the  second  RBMP  in  Cyprus.  Note:  Ecological 
status and groundwater quantitative status exemptions are reported at the 

water body level. Chemical exemptions for groundwater are reported at the 
level  of  each  pollutant  causing  failure  of  good  chemical  status,  and  for 

surface waters for each Priority Substances that is causing failure of good 
chemical status 

Source: WISE electronic reports) 

103 

 
 
Application of Article 4(4) 

The use of Article 4(4) which was applied for groundwater and surface water bodies increased 
between  the  first  RBMP  and  the  second  RBMP.  In  the  second  RBMP  the  justification  for 

Article 4(4) for surface waters refer to technical feasibility.  

With regard to technical feasibility, an elaborate process was followed (especially for surface 

water bodies) in order to determine Article 4(4) exemptions. Justifications at water body level 
are given including various "arguments" that are then summarized as the "technical feasibility" 

argument. The tests for the application of Article 4(4) to surface water bodies were carried out 
for all water bodies classified with ecological and chemical status less than good. The analysis 

included: 

  The determination of the pressures for each water body, 

  The  estimation  of  the  loads  of  Nitrate,  Phosphate  and  biological  oxygen  demand  for 
each  water  body  and  the  definition  of  chemical  parameters  exceeding  the  threshold 

values referred to the national and European legislation, 

  The  comparison  of  the  estimated  loads  of  nitrate,  phosphate  and  biological  oxygen 
demand with the threshold loads e.g. loads that trigger the transition from good status 
to  less  than  good,  for  each  type  of  river  water  body,  as  they  estimated  in  a  specific 

analysis of the significance of pressures in Cyprus’ river water bodies carried out by the 
Water Development Department. 

The  analysis  also  considered  other  critical  parameters  such  as  the  level  of  uncertainty  of  the 
classification of the status of water bodies, the progress of ongoing projects aimed to improve 

the  water  status  (e.g.  the  Vati  Project,  Wastewater  Treatment  Facilities)  and  the  estimated 
reduction of the loads and impacts expected from the implementation of the proposed program 

of measures. 

In  this  context,  for  natural  river  water  bodies  classified  with  low  uncertainty,  which  were 

affected by significant pressures from agricultural activities, and for which a reduction of less 
than 25 % of the loads of N, P and biological oxygen demand would be necessary in order to 

achieve the estimated values of the threshold loads, it was assumed that good status could be 
achieved  by  2021,  after  the  implementation  of  the  proposed  program  of  measures.  For  the 

remainder water bodies, Article 4(4) was applied for 2021. 

104 

 
 
Additionally,  Article  4(4)  for  2021  was  indicated  to  be  applied  for  natural  surface  water 

bodies: 

  With chemical status of good or below good; 

  For which the ecological status classification presents high level of uncertainty; 

  Which are affected only by pressures from agricultural activities, and 

  For which the correlation of their status with the estimated loads is not evident from the 

available data. 

For  these  water  bodies,  further  investigation  would  be  necessary,  including  a  special 

monitoring  program  and  a  detailed  registration  and  controls  of  the  activities  and  practices 
applied  in  their  sub  basin,  in  order  to  formulate  the  appropriate  actions  needed  in  the  next 

management cycle, for the achievement of the good status. 

Although disproportionate costs were not reported as a type of exemption for 4(4) in the plans, 

in WISE, the reported information indicates that disproportionate costs were also put forward 
in relation to affordability for surface waters and cost-benefit ratios for groundwater56. 

Article 4(4) was applied for 14 out of 21 groundwater bodies, which were identified in Cyprus 
as result of the revision made during the preparation of the second RBMP, because of natural 
conditions57. These water bodies were identified as follows:  CY-3A KoitiTremithios, CY-3B 
Kiti-Pervolia,  CY-4  Softades-Vasilikos,  CY-5  Maroni,  CY-6  Mari-KaloChorio,  CY-8 

Lemesos, CY-9 Akrotiri, CY-10 Paramali-Avdimou, CY- 12 Letymbou-Giolou, CY-13 Pegia, 
CY-15A  Chrysochou-Gialia,  CY-15B  Kiti-Chrysochou,  CY-17  Central  &  Western  Mesaoria 

and  CY-18-Pachna  Lefkara.  For  them  the  achievement  of  good  status  by  2021  was  not 
considered  feasible  due  to  the  time  lag  necessary  for  recovery  of  groundwater;  it  was  also 

assumed that these water bodies may not achieve good status even up to 2027. 

The  pressures  responsible  for  exemptions  in  surface  water  came  from  a  broad  range  of 
activities 
including  urbanism,  agriculture,  mining,  abstraction  and  aquaculture.  For 
groundwater the main pressures were pollution and abstraction from agriculture and discharges 

not  connected  to  sewerage  network.  The  main  driver  causing  the  pressures  to  ground  and 
surface  waters  is  agriculture.  For  surface  water  the  impacts  were  saline  pollution/intrusion, 

microbiological, organic and nutrient pollution, altered habitats due to morphological changes 
(includes  connectivity)  and  other  significant  impacts.  The  main  impacts  causing  Article  4(4) 

56 Cyprus subsequently clarified that there are reporting errors in WISE. 
57 Cyprus subsequently clarified that there are reporting errors in WISE. 

105 

 
                                                      
exemptions to groundwater were saline pollution/intrusion, chemical and nutrient pollution and 

lowered water tables.  

Table 8.1 

Pressures responsible for Priority Substances  in Cyprus failing to achieve 

good chemical status and for which exemptions have been applied 

Significant pressure on surface 
water bodies 

1.1 - Point - Urban waste water 

1.6 - Point - Waste disposal sites 

2.2 - Diffuse - Agricultural 

Failing Priority 
Substances 

Article4(4) - 
Technical feasibility 
exemptions 

Article4(5) - 
Technical feasibility 
exemptions 

Number 

Number 

Number 

4 

4 

2 

4 

4 

4 

0 

0 

0 

Source: WISE electronic reports 

Table 8.2 

Pressures  responsible  for  pollutants  in  Cyprus  failing  to  achieve  good 

chemical  status  in  groundwater  and  for  which  exemptions  have  been 
applied 

Significant pressure on groundwater 

Number 
of failing 
pollutants 

Number of exemptions 

Article 4(4) - 
Natural conditions 

Article 4(5) - 
Technical feasibility 

2.2 - Diffuse - Agricultural 

2.6 - Diffuse - Discharges not connected to 
sewerage network 

3.1 - Abstraction or flow diversion - Agriculture 

4 

5 

2 

7 

8 

7 

2 

2 

2 

Source: WISE electronic reports 

Application of Article 4(5) 

Article  4(5)  was  also  used  in  the  second  cycle.  For  one  groundwater  body,  an  extended 
analysis  was  provided,  leading  to  the  result  of  "technical  infeasibility"  to  justify  the  Article 

4(5)  exemption.  For  this  groundwater  system  the  achievement  of  the  objectives  of  good 
quantitative and chemical status by the year 2021 and by the year 2027, even with application 

of “drastic” measures was not considered possible. Therefore, Article 4(5) was applied and less 
stringent objectives for quantitative and chemical status were formulated. 

Application of Article 4(6) 

Exemptions under Article 4(6) have not been applied. 

106 

 
Application of Article 4(7) 

Exemptions under Article 4(7) were not applied, but there was a list of future projects given in 
the "objectives" document regarding Article 4(7), divided into following categories: 1. Sewage 

works  2.  Water  supply  works  3.  Reused  water  works  4.  Dams  5.  Desalinization 
works/groundwater recharge. 

For the four dam projects (two of them consisting of multiple dams) and since a degradation of 
ecological status would be possible, the assessment steps under Article 7 should be taken into 

consideration. For this, the following information was analysed: 1. how mature the project was, 
i.e. if the project can start within the second management period 2. the objectives of the project 

(in  order  to  assess  "alternatives”)  3.  the  technical  specifications,  and  4.  the  effects  of  the 
project  on  the  environment.  The  specific  water  bodies  affected  by  the  dam  project  are  also 

provided. 

As a result:  

  The project on flood protection dams was outlined to not affect water bodies according 
to the WFD requirements, so no further justification under Article 4(7) was indicated to 

be needed.  

  The Souskous dam: An Article 4(7) check was done in the context of the environmental 
permitting,  with  a  result  that  no  deterioration  would  take  place  affecting  the  WFD 
objectives.  For  these  dams,  there  was  not  enough  information  to  conduct  the  further 

assessment  steps  of  Article  4(7)  (since  the  project  was  not  considered  to  be  mature 
enough). 

Therefore, a measure was included in the Programme of Measures: "checking the application 
of  Article  4(7)".  These  projects  are  planned  to  undergo  an  Article  4(7)  test  during  their 

environmental permitting procedure (and will be included in the public consultation process). 
The competent authority is planning to assess and in case approve this Article 4(7) check and 

include it in the following RBMP.  

The  application  of  Article  4(7)  exemptions  may  not  comply  with  WFD  requirements  as  it 

remains  unclear  if  the  reported  process  covers  all  steps  of  Article  4(7),  in  particular  how 
overriding public interest is assessed58. 

58  Cyprus subsequently clarified that after the publication of the CIS Guidance Document for the Application of 
exemptions  under  article  4.7  (GD  No  36),  it  is  preparing  a  new  special  guidance  document  for  the 
requirements for the application of Article 4(7). 

107 

 
                                                      
Application of Article 6(3) of the Groundwater Directive 

Exemptions under Article 6(3) of the Groundwater Directive59 have not been applied. 

8.2.  Main changes in implementation and compliance since first cycle 

The number of exemptions under Article 4(4) has increased. New Article 4(5) exemptions have 
been reported for one groundwater body (due to technical feasibility). Overall, it is mentioned 

in  various  parts  of  the  RBMP  that  additional  monitoring  information  has  been  used  for 
applying  exemptions.  No  exemptions  under  Article  4(6)  or  Article  4(7)  were  reported  in  the 
first RBMP and the second RBMP. 

8.3.  Progress with Commission recommendations 

The  Commission  recommendations  based  on  the  first  RBMPs  and  first  Programme  of 

Measures reports requested action on the following: 

  Recommendation: It is unclear whether there are new physical modifications planned 
in RBMPs. If this is the case, the use of exemptions under Article 4(7) should be based 
on  a  thorough  assessment  of  all  the  steps  as  requested  by  the  WFD,  in  particular  an 

assessment  of  whether  the  project  is  of  overriding  public  interest  and  whether  the 
benefits to society outweigh the environmental degradation, and regarding the absence 

of  alternatives  that  would  be  a  better  environmental  option.  Furthermore,  these 
projects may only be carried out when all possible measures are taken to mitigate the 

adverse impact on the status of the water. All conditions for the application of Article 
4(7) in individual projects must be included and justified in the RBMPs as early in the 

project planning as possible. 

Assessment: This recommendation has been partly implemented. It is clearly stated that 
Article 4(7) has not  been  applied in  the second  RBMP. However, for potential future 

projects a procedure is in place that follows the Article 4(7) requirements. It is stated 
that this procedure will be applied to all infrastructure projects. 

  Recommendation: Objectives for water bodies should be clearly indicated in order to 

be able to reach good status of waters in a reasonable timeframe. 

59   Directive 2006/118/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 December 2006 on the protection 
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-

deterioration 

pollution 

against 

and 

groundwater 

of 
content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:02006L0118-20140711 

108 

 
                                                      
Assessment: This recommendation has been implemented and progress has been made 

and objectives for each water body are provided. 

  Recommendation:  While  the  WFD  does  provide  for  exemptions,  there  are  specific 
criteria that must be fulfilled for their use to be justified. The application of exemptions 

needs  to  be  more  transparent  and  the  reasons  for  the  exemptions  should  be  clearly 
justified in the plans.  

Assessment: This recommendation has been implemented as a detailed procedure with 
clear criteria has been developed. 

109 

 
 
 
Topic 9 Programme of measures  

The aim of this chapter is to provide an overview of the Programme of Measures reported by 

Member  States;  more  detailed  information  on  measures  relating  to  specific  pressures  (for 
example, arising from agriculture) is provided in subsequent chapters. 

9.1.  Assessment  of 

implementation  and 

compliance  with  WFD 

requirements in second cycle 

9.1.1.  General issues 

An  indication  as  to  whether  or  not  measures  have  been  fully  implemented  and  made 

operational is when they have been reported as being planned to tackle significant pressures (at 
the  Key  Types  of  Measure  level).  Significant  pressures  are  also  reported  at  the  water  body 

level.  It  would  therefore  be  expected  that  there  would  be  measures  planned  in  the  RBMP  to 
tackle  all  significant  pressures,  but  in  Cyprus,  not  all  significant  pressures  have  operational 

KTMs  in  place  to  reduce  the  pressures  in  both  surface  waters  and  groundwater.  For 
groundwater  the  only  significant  pressure  reported  that  has  operational  KTMs  in  place  is 

Abstraction  or  flow  diversion  –  Agriculture.  KTMs  have  not  been  reported  to  tackle  the 
significant  pressures  Diffuse  –  Agricultural,  and  Diffuse  -  Discharges  not  connected  to 

sewerage network, despite them being reported as causing water bodies to  fail to  be of good 
status.  Similarly, for surface  water bodies, operational  KTMs have been  reported as being in 

place  to  address  6  significant  pressures,  but  no  measures  are  in  place  to  address  Point  - 
Aquaculture,  Diffuse  -  Urban  run-off,  Diffuse  -  Discharges  not  connected  to  sewerage 

network,  Diffuse  -  Other,  and  Physical  alteration  of  channel/bed/riparian  area/shore  –  Other, 
despite  these  pressures  being  reported  as  causing  water  bodies  to  fail  to  be  of  good  status. 

Cyprus  did  not  provide  information  on  the  percentage  of  water  bodies  failing  to  be  of  good 
status  as  a  result  of  these  significant  pressures,  and  therefore  it  is  not  possible  to  assess  the 
relative  importance  of  these  pressures60.  Conversely,  for  surface  water  bodies,  a  number  of 
KTMs have been reported as addressing significant pressures which have not been reported as 
to  be  of  good  status,  specifically,  Physical  alteration  of 
causing  water  bodies 
channel/bed/riparian area/shore - Flood protection; Physical alteration of channel/bed/riparian 
area/shore - Agriculture; Dams, barriers and locks - Flood protection; Dams, barriers and locks 

60   Cyprus  subsequently clarified that  from  the review of the significant pressures and  impacts according to  the 
provisions of article 5 of WFD that was carried out for the preparation of the second RBMP it was shown that 
the status of surface water bodies is affected mainly from agriculture and hydromorphological alterations. The 
main pressures affecting groundwater bodies are abstraction and agriculture (diffuse) followed by discharges 
from agglomerations not connected to sewerage network (diffuse). 

110 

 
                                                      
-  Drinking  water;  Dams,  barriers  and  locks  -  Irrigation;  Hydromorphological  alteration  - 
Other61.  

Cyprus  has  mapped  30  national  basic  measures  against  four  pre-defined  KTMs,  and  one 

national  basic  measure  against  the  nationally  derived  KTM  “Administrative  and  technical 
water  pollution  control  measures  from  abandoned  industrial  facilities”.  43  %  of  the  national 

basic  measures  have  been  mapped  against  KTM8  -  Water  efficiency,  technical  measures  for 
irrigation,  industry,  energy  and  households  and  another  43%  against  KTM21  -  Measures  to 

prevent or control the input of pollution from urban areas, transport and built infrastructure. 24 
national supplementary measures have been mapped against five pre-defined KTMs. 29 % of 

these  have  also  been  mapped  against  KTM8  -  Water  efficiency,  technical  measures  for 
irrigation,  industry,  energy  and  households  and  38%  have  been  mapped  against  KTM6  - 

Improving hydromorphological  conditions of water bodies other than longitudinal continuity. 
None  of  the  basic  measures  are  reported  to  cover  the  requirements  of  Article  11(3)(b)  -  
measures for the recovery of cost of water services (Article 9), Article 11(3)(d) - measures for 

the protection of water abstracted for drinking water (Article 7) including those to reduce the 
level of purification required for the production of drinking water, Article 11(3)(f) - controls, 

including  a  requirement  for  prior  authorisation  of  artificial  recharge  or  augmentation  of 
groundwater bodies, Article 11(3)(i) - measures to control any other significant adverse impact 

on the status of water, and in particular hydromorphological impacts, or Article 11(3)(l) - any 
measures required to prevent significant losses of pollutants from technical installations and to 

prevent  and/or  reduce  the  impact  of  accidental  pollution  incidents.  An  inventory  of  national 
measures has been reported with links to where further information can be found.62 

There  is  a  correlation  between  the  operational  KTMs  reported  to  be  addressing  significant 
pressures,  and  the  KTMs  against  which  national  measures  have  been  mapped,  with  the 

exception of the nationally defined KTM “Administrative and technical water pollution control 

61  Cyprus  subsequently  clarified  that  only  the  pressures  with  measurable  indicators  are  mapped  to  KTMs.   
Additionally  only  one  KTM  is  related  to  each  significant  pressure.  As  a  result  of  this,  some  pressures  for 
which measures are included in program of measures are not correlated to KTMs and some KTMs that could 
be relevant are not reported in WISE.   

62  Cyprus subsequently clarified that measures implemented in the first programme of measures (including those 
that have been added to the operational function of the relevant competent authorities) have not been included 
in the second programme of measures. They also noted that some of the actions taken to address some water 
management issues are not included in the programme of measures. The measures that have not been included 
in the programme of measures for the reasons cited include some of those required to be included by Article 
11(3) of the Water Framework Directive. Cyprus further clarified that 5 measures have been included in the 
PoM that implement Article 11(3)(i) but that they have not been indicated as such in the electronic reporting to 
WISE. 

111 

 
                                                      
measures  from  abandoned  industrial  facilities”  which  is  not  reported  to  be  addressing  any 
significant pressures.63 

No information was reported on the River Basin Specific Pollutants (RBSPs) causing surface 

water bodies in Cyprus to fail to be of good status, nor was any information provided on the 
KTMs  in  place  to  address  River  Basin  Specific  Pollutants  in  surface  water  bodies.  Eight 

substances  were  reported  to  be  causing  groundwater  bodies  to  fail  to  be  of  good  status 
(tetrachloroethylene,  nitrate,  ammonium,  chloride,  sulphate,  lead  and  its  compounds,  arsenic 

and  its  compounds,  electrical  conductivity)  in  1-7  groundwater  bodies.  However,  no 
information was reported on the KTMs being used in the second cycle to address these failures. 

Similarly  for  Priority  Substances,  six  substances  (trifluralin,  chlorpyrifos,  lead  and  its 
compounds,  mercury  and  its  compounds,  nickel  and  its  compounds,  cadmium  and  its 

compounds)  were  reported  to  be  causing  1-4  surface  water  bodies  to  fail  to  be  of  good 
chemical  status,  but  no  information  was  provided  on  the  KTMs  in  place  to  address  these 
failures.64 

Cyprus  has  provided  an  analysis  of  the  gap  to  good  status  for  those  significant  pressures  for 
which operational KTMs have been reported. For groundwater bodies, in order to address the 

significant  pressure  Abstraction  or  flow  diversion  –  Agriculture,  it  was  reported  that  the 
volume of water abstracted/diverted for agriculture would need to be reduced by 19 million m3 
in order to achieve good status. In order to achieve this 960 km2 of irrigated land would need to 
be  covered  by  measures  under  KTM8  -  Water  efficiency,  technical  measures  for  irrigation, 

industry,  energy  and  households.  Cyprus  reported  that  no  further  reduction  in  the  volume  of 
water abstracted would be required in 2021, but the area of land covered by measures would 
continue to be 960 km2. No indication of what would be required in 2027 was provided. For 
surface  waters,  indicators  of  the  gap  to  good  status,  and  the  level  of  implementation  of 

measures  required  were  also  provided  for  2015  and  2021.  All  the  significant  pressures  with 
operational measures are expected to be fully addressed by 2021 with the exception of Diffuse 

– Agricultural. In 2015 the load of nitrogen was expected to be reduced by 14 t/y, with further 
reductions of 10 t/y expected in 2021. 1400 km2 of land would need to be covered by measures 
under  KTM2  -  Reduce  nutrient  pollution  from  agriculture,  in  both  the  2015  and  2021 
Programme of Measures to achieve this reduction. No projections were given for 2027, so it is 

63 Cyprus subsequently clarified that this was an error in the electronic reporting to WISE. 
64 Cyprus subsequently clarified that measures are in place to control RBSPs and Priority Substances but theyhave 

not been clearly reported to WISE.  

112 

 
                                                      
not known whether the 2021 Programme of Measures would be anticipated to be sufficient to 
achieve good status65. 

Cyprus informed that targeted measures for agriculture are already in place. For example, most 

of the cow farms have already built a watertight platform in order to store their manure. All the 
farms are frequently inspected in order to ensure sound waste management. Many aerobic and 

anaerobic digesters are in operation for the management of the livestock waste. 

Cost-effectiveness  analysis  (cost-effective  analysis)  is  an  appraisal  technique  that  provides  a 

ranking  of  alternative  measures  on  the  basis  of  their  costs  and  effectiveness,  where  the  most 
cost-effective measure is given the highest ranking. In the first Programme of Measures it was 

not clear whether cost-effective analysis had been used in the selection of measures in Cyprus. 
In  the  second  Programme  of  Measures,  it  has  been  reported  that  a  combination  of  both, 

quantitative and qualitative cost-effectiveness analysis has been carried out for supporting the 
selection  of  measures  proposed  under  the  2015-2021  Programme  of  Measures.  The  selection 
and  prioritisation  of  measures  was  further  investigated  in  the  RBMP  and  background 

documents of the assessment and it was found that the Programme of Measures did not provide 
much information. From the limited information available it can be concluded that the KTMs 

have been selected overall based on addressing pressures, but the exact methodology used has 
not been specified.66 

A  critical  factor  in  the  success  of  the  implementation  of  the  Programme  of  Measures  is  the 
availability of funding to support the investments required. Cyprus reported that €445 000 was 

invested  in  Article  11(3)(a)  requirements  (measures  required  to  implement  Community 
legislation  for  the  protection  of  water)  and  €18.52m  on  measures  under  Articles  11(3)(b-l), 

11(4) and 11(5) (all other measures) in the first Programme of Measures. Cyprus plans capital 
investment  of  €56.14m  in  Article  11(3)(a)  requirements  (measures  required  to  implement 

Community legislation for the protection of water) and €190.585m in measures under Articles 

65   Cyprus  subsequently clarified that quantitative  indicators are  presented  where this information  was available 
and could be derived on the basis of a reasonable effort. For the formulation of the indicators pressures related 
to  significant  loads  were  prioritized.  Thus  indicator  gap  from  diffuse  pressures  from  agriculture  is  reported 
instead  of  discharges  not  connected  to  the  sewerage  network  as  the  loads  derived  from  agriculture  are  ten 
times  larger.  The  Indicators  reported  are  based  on  the  predefined  indicators  suggested  in  the  guidance  for 
reporting. From the proposed set of the predefined indicators, Cyprus selected quantitative indicators that can 
be calculated and monitored with relatively low uncertainty. For some of these indicators the value calculated 
concerns both groundwater and surface water as derived from the calculated loads (such as Load of nitrogen to 
be  reduced  to  achieve  objectives).    As  a  result  of  the  above  mentioned  reasoning  only  few  measurable 
indicators for some of the pressures are identified and reported to WISE. For the other pressures was decided 
not to use general indicators which are not included in the predefined list.  

66  Cyprus clarified that the measures included in the program of measures are targeted to the significant pressures 
and  formulated  taking  into  consideration  a  number  of  factors  including  EU  and  national  environmental 
policies, progress and experience of the first PoM, the status of water bodies and the results of the pressure and 
impact  analysis,  the  financial  resources  and  mechanisms  available,  the  technical  feasibility  of  the  measures 
needed and the timescales in which good status should be achieved. 

113 

 
                                                      
11(3)(b-l),  11(4)  and  11(5)  (all  other  measures)  in  the  second  Programme  of  Measures.  No 

operation and maintenance costs have been reported, and depreciation has not been included in 
either capital  investment estimate. Cyprus has  reported that no European Union funding  was 

received  to  support  the  first  Programme  of  Measures,  but  that  €213.79m  of  European  Union 
funding is expected for the second Programme of Measures.  

It  has  been  reported  that  clear  financial  commitments  have  been  secured  for  the  second 
Programme of Measure in Cyprus from the agriculture, urban and flood protection sectors. The 

industry, transport, hydropower, energy, aquaculture and recreation sectors have been reported 
to be not relevant in Cyprus.  

There was no joint consultation carried out on the RBMPs and Marine Strategy in Cyprus. The 
preparation  of  the  RBMP  and  Programme  of  Measures  has  been  reported  to  be  coordinated 

with the implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework. It has been reported that there is 
no need for additional measures or more stringent measures beyond those required by WFD in 
order to contribute to the achievement of the relevant Marine Strategy Framework Directive67 
objectives in costal and marine environments68. 

The  RBMPs  and  the  Floods  Directive’s69  Flood  Risk  Management  Plans  have  not  been 
integrated  into  a  single  plan  in  Cyprus.  However,  joint  consultation  was  carried  out  on  the 
RBMPs and Flood Risk Management Plans, and the objectives and requirements of the Floods 

Directive  have  been  considered  in  the  second  RBMP  and  Programme  of  Measures.  Cyprus 
indicated that specific win-win measures in terms of achieving the objectives of the WFD and 

Floods  Directive,  drought  management  and  use  of  Natural  Water  Retention  Measures  have 
been  included  in  the  Programme  of  Measures.  The  design  of  new  and  existing  structural 

measures, such as flood  defences, storage dams  and tidal  barriers, have been adapted to  take 
into account WFD environmental objectives and clear financial commitment has been secured 

for the implementation  of the Programme of Measures in  the flood protection sector.  Article 
9(4) has not been applied to impoundments for flood protection in Cyprus70. 

67 Directive 2008/56/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 June 2008 establishing a framework 
for  community  action  in  the  field  of  marine  environmental  policy  (Marine  Strategy  Framework  Directive) 
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32008L0056  

68      Cyprus  subsequently  clarified  that  during  the  preparation  and  the  consultation  of  the  second  RBMP,  the 
program  of  measures  for  the  implementation  of  the  marine  strategy  Framework  Directive  was  under 
formulation.  For  this  reason  in  the  Program  of  Measures  of  the  second  RBMP,  is  clearly  noted  that  the 
measures formulated for the implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive, are considered as 
supplementary to the second RBMP 

69  Directive  2007/60/EC on the assessment and  management of flood risks entered into force on 26 November 

2007 http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32007L0060 

70  Cyprus subsequently clarified that the integration of the RBMP and FRMP in one document is considered not 

feasible as the information covered by the two management plans is very different.  

114 

 
                                                      
9.1.2.  Measures related to other significant pressures 

No other significant pressures have been identified in Cyprus. 

9.1.3.  Mapping of national measures to Key Types of Measure 

It was expected that Member States would be able to report their Programme of Measures by 
associating  their  national  measures  with  predefined  Key  Types  of  Measure.  Key  Types  of 

Measure are expected to deliver the bulk of the improvements through reduction in pressures 
required  to  achieve  WFD  Environmental  Objectives.  A  Key  Types  of  Measure  may  be  one 

national  measure  but  it  would  typically  comprise  more  than  one  national  measure.  Member 
States  are  required  to  report  on  the  national  measures  associated  with  the  Key  Types  of 

Measure, and whether the national measures are basic (Article 11(3)(a) or Article 11(3)(b-l)) or 
supplementary (Article 11(4)).  

Table 9.1 summarises the number of national measures that have been mapped to the relevant 
Key Types of Measure in Cyprus. Also shown is the number of River Basin Districts for which 
the Key Types of Measure has been reported.  

Table  9.2  then  summarises  the  type  of  basic  measures  associated  with  the  national  measures 
mapped against the Key Types of Measure. 

Table 9.1 

Mapping of the types of national measures to Key Types of Measure in Cyprus  

Key Type of Measure 

KTM1 - Construction or upgrades of wastewater treatment 
plants 

KTM14 - Research, improvement of knowledge base 
reducing uncertainty 

KTM2 - Reduce nutrient pollution from agriculture 

KTM21 - Measures to prevent or control the input of 
pollution from urban areas, transport and built infrastructure 

KTM5 - Improving longitudinal continuity (e.g. establishing 
fish passes, demolishing old dams) 

KTM6 - Improving hydromorphological conditions of water 
bodies other than longitudinal continuity 

KTM7 - Improvements in flow regime and/or establishment 
of ecological flows 

KTM8 - Water efficiency, technical measures for irrigation, 
industry, energy and households 

KTM99 - Other key type measure reported under 
Programme of Measures - Administrative and technical 
water pollution control measures from abandoned industrial 

National 
basic 
measures 

National 
supplementary 
measures 

Number 
of RBDs 
where 
reported 

3 

1 

13 

13 

1 

3 

1 

9 

4 

7 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

1 

115 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Key Type of Measure 

facilities 

National 
basic 
measures 

National 
supplementary 
measures 

Number 
of RBDs 
where 
reported 

Total number of Mapped Measures 

31 

24 

1 

Source: Member States reports to WISE 

Table 9.2 

Type of basic measure mapped to Key Types of Measure in Cyprus  

Key Type of Measure 

KTM1 - Construction or upgrades of wastewater treatment plants 
KTM2 - Reduce nutrient pollution from agriculture 
KTM21 - Measures to prevent or control the input of pollution from urban 
areas, transport and built infrastructure 
KTM8 - Water efficiency, technical measures for irrigation, industry, energy 
and households 
KTM99 - Other key type measure reported under PoM 

Source: Member States reports to WISE 

Key 

Basic Measure Type 

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8 

1 

‘Controls water abstraction’ = Article 11(3)(e): Controls over the abstraction of fresh surface water and groundwater and 
impoundment of fresh surface waters including a register or registers of water abstractions and a requirement for prior 
authorisation of abstraction and impoundment. 

‘Efficient water use’ = Article 11(3)(c): Measures to promote efficient and sustainable water use. 
‘Habitats or Birds’ = Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC)  or Birds Directive (2009/147/EC)  
‘Nitrates’ = Nitrates Directive (91/676/EEC) . 
‘Point source discharges’ = Article 11(3)(g): Requirement for prior regulation of point source discharges liable to cause 
pollution. 
‘Pollutants diffuse’ = Article 11(3)(h): Measures to prevent or control the input of pollutants from diffuse sources liable to 
cause pollution. 
‘Surface Priority Substances’ = Article 11(3)(k): Measures to eliminate pollution of surface waters by Priority Substances and 
to reduce pollution from other substances that would otherwise prevent the achievement of the objectives laid down in Article 
4. 
‘Urban Waste Water’ = Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive (91/271/EEC) . 

9.1.4.  Pressures  for  which  gaps  to  be  filled  to  achieve  WFD  objectives  have  been 

reported and the Key Types of Measure planned to achieve objectives 

Member  States  are  required  to  report  the  gaps  that  need  to  be  filled  to  achieve  WFD 
Environmental  Objectives  in  terms  of  all  significant  pressures  on  surface  waters  and 

groundwater,  in  terms  of  Priority  Substances  causing  failure  of  good  chemical  status  and  in 

116 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
terms  of  River  Basin  Specific  Pollutants  causing  failure  of  good  ecological  status/potential. 

Member  States  were  asked  to  report  predefined  indicators  of  the  gaps  to  be  filled  or  other 
indicators where relevant. Values for the gap indicators were required for 2015 and 2021, and 

were optional for 2027. 

The  information  reported  in  WISE  on  the  gaps  to  fulfil  to  achieve  good  ecological  status 

include detailed data on the significant pressures on surface and groundwaters that may cause 
failure on the environmental objectives. For chemical  status,  the Member States reported the 

specific chemical substances causing failure. 

This information is reported at the sub-unit level. Sub-units are smaller geographic areas within 

particular  RBDs  identified  by  Member  States.  Not  all  Member  States  have  defined  and 
reported sub-units. 

Member States were required to report which KTMs are to be made operational to reduce the 
gaps to levels compatible with the achievement of WFD environmental objectives. A number 
of  indicators  were  predefined  for  each  KTM.  Values  of  the  indicators  for  the  second  and 

subsequent  planning  cycles  were  also  to  be  reported  to  give  an  indication  of  the  expected 
progress and achievements: the values for 2027 could be optionally reported. This means that 

the value of the indicator will be reduced with time as measures are implemented. A value of 
zero is comparable with 100 % good ecological status or potential or good chemical status.  

This  information  was  reported  at  sub-unit  level,  or  at  RBDs  level  if  sub-units  have  not  been 
reported by the Member State. 

9.2.  Main changes in implementation and compliance since first cycle 

Often there is no equivalent information for the first cycle and it is difficult, therefore, to make 
direct comparisons because the two cycles on what has changed significantly, and Cyprus did 

not provide a specific summary of changes for this topic. However, it is mentioned in various 
places that, based on additional information through better monitoring, various aspects of the 

RBMP  and  the  Programme  of  Measures  have  been  updated.  Cyprus  has  reported  that  some 
measures have been completed from the first Programme of Measures, with the only obstacle 
being a lack of finance. In the RBMP and background documents assessment it was found that 
some measures will not be implemented because they are no longer needed, or are not possible. 
In  the  first  Programme  of  Measures  it  wasn’t  clear  how  measures  were  selected  and  cost 
effectiveness assessment was carried out only for measures which were already selected in the 

Programme of Measures so it had no effect on the selection of measures. It has been reported 

117 

 
 
that the combination of both, quantitative and qualitative costs effectiveness analysis has been 

carried now to support the selection of measures in the second cycle, but it is not clear how this 
information has actually been used. 

9.3.  Progress with Commission recommendations 

The  Commission  recommendations  based  on  the  first  RBMPs  and  first  Programme  of 
Measures requested action on the following: 

  Recommendation: Where there are currently high uncertainties in the characterisation 
of the RBDs, identification of pressures, and in the assessment of status, these need to 
be addressed in the current cycle, to ensure that adequate measures can be put in place 

before the next cycle. 

Assessment: It was unclear how measures were selected in the first cycle. It has been 

reported  that  the  combination  of  both,  quantitative  and  qualitative  costs  effectiveness 
analysis has been carried now to support the selection of measures in the second cycle. 

However  not  all  significant  pressures  have  operational  KTMs  in  place  to  reduce  the 
pressures in both surface water and groundwater bodies. KTMs have not been reported 

to tackle some of the significant pressures reported as causing water bodies to fail to be 
of good status, and measures have been reported as being in place to address pressures 

that have not been reported to be causing failures. No measures have been reported to 
address the specific pollutants reported as causing groundwater bodies to fail to be of 

good  status,  or  the  Priority  Substances  causing  surface  water  bodies  to  be  of  good 
status.  No  information  on  the  River  Basin  Specific  Pollutants  causing  surface  water 
bodies  to  fail  to  be  off  good  status  has  been  provided.  More  information  will  be 

available from Topic 2, but from a Topic 9 perspective, this recommendation has been 
partially addressed. Cyprus has meanwhile provided a clarification on a number of the 

issues raised here (see footnotes in section above). From this it is clear that significant 
progress  has  been  made  to  address  this  recommendation.  However,  whilst  it  is  clear 

that the main focus of measures is on addressing those pressures affecting most water 
bodies,  other  pressures  should  also  be  addressed.  Similarly  all  on-going  and  planned 

measures should be included in the second Programme of Measures. 

  Recommendation: Provide a more detailed analysis of pressures and impacts, as well 
as an improved risk assessment based on the improvement of the monitoring network. 

The  RBMPs  should  be  explicit  about  the  impacts  related  to  each  significant  pressure 
and provide quantitative figures on the scale of the pressures that need to be reduced, 

to reach WFD objectives. 

118 

 
Assessment: The first part of the recommendation will be addressed by Topics 2, 3 and 

4.  In  respect  of  the  second  part  of  the  recommendation,  Cyprus  has  reported 
quantitative indicators on the scale of reduction of those significant pressures for which 

operational measures are in place, and the level of implementation of the measures that 
is required to enable that reduction to be achieved to WISE. For all but one significant 

pressure,  a  full  reduction  is  expected  by  2021.  However,  no  measures  have  been 
reported  to  address  pollution  from  River  Basin  Specific  Pollutants  and  Priority 

Substances,  and  measures  have  been  reported  as  being  in  place  to  address  significant 
pressures that have not been reported to be causing water bodies to fail to be of good 

status.  This  recommendation  was  further  examined  in  the  RBMP  and  background 
documents and it was found that there is no clear allocation of gap per pressure in the 

Programme  of  Measures.  However,  it  was  clear  that  work  has  been  done  on  the 
quantification of (some) pressures and the allocation to pressures/KTMs. Chapter 5 of 
the  Programme  of  Measures  relates  the  significant  pressures  with  Key  Types  of 

Measure (KTMs). This  was done by establishing the biological oxygen demand, N, P 
contributions  (as  %  of  the  overall  load)  to  the  different  pressures/sectors,  both  for 

diffuse  pollution  (divided  again  into  surface  and  groundwater)  and  point  source 
pollution. The pressures overall were then allocated to their importance to surface water 

and groundwater status based on monitoring results, although the detailed methodology 
of how this was achieved was not provided. The results of this for surface water bodies 

are that the two main pressures are diffuse pollution from agriculture (affecting 71 % of 
water  bodies  with  status  below  good)  and  hydromorphological  pressures  that  affect 

43% of the water bodies below good. Regarding groundwater bodies, the significance 
of pressures on chemical status was established based on N (significant pressure source 

if the N contribution from this pressure was more than 30% of the overall load). Finally 
(based on various sources), a table is  provided, indicating  for  all pressures (including 

hydromorphology, combining pressures 4.1.1, 4.1.2 and 4.5 in one category as well as 
4.2.2,  2.3  and  4.2.4  in  another)  the  number  (and  length)  of  water  bodies  affected, 

pressure  indicators  (e.g.  N,  qm  abstracted,  length  of  water  bodies  affected  by 
hydromorphological alterations etc.) and the KTM of relevance/a "rough" specification 

(e.g. "length  of river bed that needs to  be restored". Overall, the specific measures of 
the  Programme  of  Measures  then  do  not  relate  to  the  specific  gap  that  will  be  closed 

through  the  measures  per  pressure  -  various  criteria  are  used  for  the  selection  of 
measures but how these are used is not clear. In conclusion, from a topic 9 perspective, 

significant  steps  have  clearly  been  made  to  address  this  recommendation  but  there  is 
still  some  work  to  be  done  and  therefore  this  recommendation  has  been  partially 

addressed. 

119 

 
  Recommendation:  The  targeting  of  the  measures  should  be  explicit  in  terms  of  their 

type and extent, to ensure that pressures are addressed adequately. 

Assessment: As stated above, Cyprus has provided quantitative indicators on the scale 

of reduction of those significant pressures for which operational measures are in place, 
and the level of implementation of the measures that is required to enable that reduction 

to  be  achieved.  For  all  but  one  significant  pressure,  a  full  reduction  is  expected  by 
2021. However, no measures have been reported to address pollution from River Basin 

Specific Pollutants and Priority Substances, and measures have been reported as being 
in place to address significant pressures that have not been reported to be causing water 

bodies  to  fail to  be  of  good  status.  The  recommendation  was  further  examined  in  the 
RBMP  and  background  documents  where  it  was  found  that,  as  described  above,  the 

KTMs  have  been  selected  overall  based  on  addressing  pressures,  but  this  is  not  then 
clearly  specified  how  the  specific  measures  have  been  selected.  It  is  therefore 

concluded  that  this  recommendation  has  been  partially  addressed.  Cyprus  has  in  the 
meantime provided clarification of a number of the issues raised here (see footnotes in 

section above), including the fact that measures are in place to address pollution from 
River Basin Specific Pollutants and Priority Substances, although this information was 

not  reported  electronically  to  WISE.  Clarification  was  also  provided  on  the 
prioritisation  of  measures,  however  the  information  provided  is  still  not  sufficiently 

detailed to change the conclusion of this recommendation. 

  Recommendation: Develop further the hydromorphological assessment methods so that 
improved biological monitoring results will allow for better risk assessment and more 
targeted measures concerning hydromorphological pressures. 

Assessment:  The  first  part  of  this  recommendation  is  addressed  by  Topics  2  and  3. 
Cyprus  has  provided  quantitative  indicators  on  the  scale  of  reduction  of  those 

significant  pressures  for  which  operational  measures  are  in  place,  and  the  level  of 
implementation of the measures that is required to enable that reduction to be achieved, 

includes 

this 
channel/bed/riparian  area/shore 

the  hydromorphological  pressures  Physical  alteration  of 
alteration  of 

-  Flood  protection,  Physical 

for 

channel/bed/riparian  area/shore  –  Agriculture,  Dams,  barriers  and  locks  -  Flood 
protection,  Dams,  barriers  and  locks  -  Drinking  water,  Dams,  barriers  and  locks  – 

Irrigation and Hydromorphological  alteration  – Other. This  recommendation was also 
examined further by a  review of the RBMP and  background documents where it was 

found  that  there  is  no  specification/clear  information  then  on  which  specific  measure 
taken  targets  which  specific  hydromorphological  pressure  and  what  "gap"  will  be 

120 

 
closed..  Cyprus  has  in  the  meantime  provided  further  information  regarding  the 

measures  adopted  to  address  hydromorphological  pressures.  On  the  basis  of  this 
information it can be concluded that this recommendation has largely been fulfilled. 

  Recommendation:  Develop  fully  the  economic  analysis  of  water  use,  including  the 
calculation  of  environmental  and  resource  costs,  and  how  the  cost  effectiveness 

analysis influenced the selection of measures. 

Assessment: It was unclear how measures were selected in the first cycle and the cost 

effectiveness  assessment  has  been  carried  out  only  for  measures  which  were  already 
selected in the Programme of Measures so it had no effect on the selection of measures. 

Cyprus  has  reported  that  a  combination  of  both,  quantitative  and  qualitative  cost- 
effectiveness  analysis has  been carried in  the second cycle to  support the selection of 

measures. This recommendation was examined further through a review of the RBMP 
and background documents where it was not clear how the results of the cost-effective 

analysis  had  been  used  in  the  selection  of  measures.  Therefore,  this  recommendation 
has not been addressed. 

121 

 
 
 
Topic 10 Measures related to abstractions and water scarcity  

10.1. Assessment of implementation and compliance with WFD requirements 

in second cycle 

10.1.1.  Water exploitation and trends  

Water  abstraction  pressure  is  highly  relevant  for  Cyprus.  The  Water  Exploitation  Index  + 
(2009-2013) is 73.1 % for Cyprus, which is far beyond the preliminary European sustainability 

thresholds  (20-40  %).  The  RBMP  acts  also  as  a  water  resource  allocation  and  management 
plan.  

10.1.2.  Main uses for water consumption  

The major use for water consumption is agriculture with 55.27 % on groundwater and 19.43 % 

on  surface  water,  based  on  process-based  deterministic  hydrological  and  water  balance 
modelling.  Given  the  determination  method,  these  figures  can  however  be  different  from 

practice. Urban use (from groundwater 5.01 %, and from surface water 17.83 %), is the second 
most important water use, based on direct measurement/monitoring.  

10.1.3.  Measures related to abstractions and water scarcity  

Regarding  basic  measures  (Article  11(3)(e)),  in  Cyprus  there  is  a  permitting  regime  and  a 

register  of  abstractions  for  surface  water  and  groundwater;  and  a  concession,  authorisation 
and/or  permitting  regime  to  control  water  impoundment  and  a  register  of  impoundments  in 

place; and small abstractions are not exempted from these controls. 

The  permitting/control  system  regarding  water  abstractions  is  not  described  in  the  RBMP  in 

detail.  For  Article  11(3)(e),  various  basic  measures  are  included  in  the  RBMP  regarding  a 
better  information  base/database  of  abstractions  (leading  to  a  better  understanding  of  the 

abstraction situation) as well as (generally) regarding better abstraction control. 

In  principle  all  water  abstractions  from  groundwater  and  surface  water  bodies  since  the  first 
RBMP require a permit  including self-abstractions (Article 14  and Article 82(1), by law,  for 
the  integrated  management  of  water  resources  (79(I)/2010,  modification  of  Article  82: 
(121(I)/2012)), Article 82(2) defines exceptions. These are for water abstractions: 

(a)  not  exceeding  5m3  at  a  rate  not  exceeding  2m3  per  hour,  provided  that  such  an 
abstraction  is  occasional  and  is  not  part  of  a  continuous  operation  or  series  of 
operations by which the abstraction is in excess of 5 m3; 

(b) for firefighting purposes or any other such emergency; 

122 

 
(c)  from the sea, except for desalination purposes; 

(d) based on a water right or from any source of privately owned water, or 

(e)  for research purposes by the Geological Survey Department. 

Regarding the abstractions “based on a water right” and “privately owned water”, Article 13(2) 
stipulates  that  existing  water  rights  refer  to  rights  on  inland  waters  existing  before  the  entry 

into  force  of  this  law  (2010)  based  on  the  real  estate  law.  In  addition,  abstractions  in  place 
before  the  first  RBMP  need  to  get  “new”  water  permits,  the  deadline  for  which  has  been 

postponed a number of times. 

It cannot be assessed for how many of the current water abstractions a permit is in place. 

The law for the integrated management of water resources (79(I)/2010, various modifications 
in  the  subsequent  years)  stipulates  in  Article  103(5)  that  the  water  permit  can  be 

cancelled/modified if its specifications have been severely (or repeatedly) breached. The fines 
for  not  complying  with  the  water  permit  content  (including  volumes  used)  are  defined  in 
Articles  112  and  134.  Articles  120,  121  and  123  of  the  2010  law  define  the  rights  for 

inspections, but do not specify the details of the inspection system (frequency, number of staff, 
etc.). 

In practice, there are indications that the inspection system checks only a fraction of the water 
abstractions: in the 2014 annual report of the Water Development Department (the most recent 

available annual report) it is stated that “Due to the high workload in examining applications 
for  legalising  unlicensed  boreholes,  during  2014  the  monitoring  of  the  water  meter  readings 

was carried out on about 300 boreholes only” out of 31 500 legal boreholes. In addition, the 
2014 report on water management by the Audit Office of the Republic of Cyprus criticises the 

almost  non-existent  inspection  of  the  allowed  maximum  volumes  of  boreholes  and 
recommends a significant increase in inspections. In addition, it states that for a large number 

of  older  boreholes  (before  the  2010  law)  no  maximum  volumes  are  set.  Even  in  inspection 
cases were the maximum volumes were exceeded (38 out of 353 of the inspected boreholes), 
no fine was imposed71. 

71  Cyprus subsequently clarified that the actions required for this issue are included in the roadmap that has been 
prepared  to  tackle  groundwater  over-abstraction,  which  includes  updating  the  database  with  issued  licenses, 
verification  through  onsite  visits,  sealing  of  boreholes  if  necessary,  updating  license  terms,  installation  of 
water meters in all boreholes.   

123 

 
                                                      
Regarding the obligation to review abstractions within a fixed period – e.g. to adapt abstraction 
volumes to WFD objectives – there is no (clear) information provided in the RBMP72. 

Measures  under  Article  11(3)(c)  have  been  implemented  in  the  previous  cycle  but  new 

measures and/or significant changes are also planned for the 2016-2021 period.  

Measures  for  the  prior  authorisation  of  artificial  recharge  or  augmentation  of  groundwater 

bodies (Article 11(3)(f)) have been implemented in  the previous cycle, and new measures or 
significant changes are planned for the next period. 

Complementary  measures  are  planned  to  be  implemented  in  Cyprus  associated  to  KTM7  - 
Improvements  in  flow  regime  and/or  establishment  of  ecological  flows  and  KTM8  -  Water 

efficiency, technical measures for irrigation, industry, energy and  households, in both surface 
and  groundwater  bodies.  KTM7  -  Improvements  in  flow  regime  and/or  establishment  of 
ecological flows aims for 10.2m m3 per year of water abstracted/diverted for agriculture (and 
public supply, which in principle is not considered within this KTM) to be reduced to achieve 
objectives  for  18  surface  water  bodies.  KTM8  -  water  efficiency,  technical  measures  for 
industry,  energy  and  households  aims  for  19m  m3  per  year  of  water 
irrigation, 
abstracted/diverted for  agriculture to  be reduced  to  achieve objectives  of  groundwater bodies 
related  to  960  km2  of  irrigated  land,  eliminating  the  gap  for  all  concerned  water  bodies  by 
2021. 

10.2. Main changes in implementation and compliance since first cycle 

The  new  relevant  developments  regarding  laws/regulations  are:  The  regulation  “regarding 

water  pricing  and  cost  recovery  mechanisms  for  water  services”  (ΚΔΠ128/2014)  set  the 
framework for harmonious water pricing for the whole of Cyprus, covering urban water supply 

(households  and  other  uses)  and  irrigation  (from  state  water  works,  distribution  of  recycled 
water and self-abstraction). In December 2016, the Council of Ministers adopted the regulation 

ΚΔΠ 48/2017 which sets new specific water tariffs for urban water supply (Annex I), irrigation 
(Annex  II-A-1)/other  uses  (Annex  II-A-2)  with  water  provided  from  state  water  works, 

irrigation/other  uses  with  water  from  boreholes  and  surface  waters  (Annex  II-B)  and  for 

72  Cyprus subsequently clarified that in chapters 13.4.1.5 and 13.4.1.6. of the RBMP a presentation of the main 
actions  taken  to  tackle  pressures  from  water  abstractions  for  groundwater  and  surface  waters  is  included. 
Furthermore, Cyprus has prepared two road maps for the actions that need to be implemented to this end. The 
main actions that are included in these two road maps are also presented in sections 13.4.1.5 and 13.4.1.6. of 
the  RBMP. Additionally, in chapter 15 of the  RBMP the schedule of the actions planned is presented. As it 
concerns surface waters, the adaptation of the abstraction volumes to WFD objectives has been completed for 
selected  water  bodies  that  are  affected  by  significant  hydromorphological  pressures.  To  this  end,  relevant 
measures have been included in the program of  measures  (Ecological flows and  maximum abstracted  water 
quantity allowed in specific water bodies). However, it should be noted that Cyprus did not provide the exact 
number or name of water bodies for which such review had been carried out.  

124 

 
                                                      
recycled  water  (Annex  III)73.  Competent  authorities  must  take  into  account  the  status  of  the 
affected  water  body  in  the  permitting  procedure  and  authorise  abstractions  that  allow  for 
reaching  of  the  WFD  objectives.  Over-abstractions  justified  by  the  "needs  for  irrigation" 

should  not  be  allowed  if  they  are  not  in  line  with  the  WFD  obligations.  According  to  the 
Intergraded  Water  Management  Law  (N79(I)/2010)  all  abstractions  need  authorisation.  The 

fact  that  there  are  approximately  10 000  unauthorised  abstractions  falling  in  this  category, 
mainly  used  for  gardening,  and  affecting  the  overall  water  balance  is  a  reason  for  concern, 

despite their relatively low individual consumptions.  

Regarding basic measures (Article 11(3)(e)), the Law for the integrated management of water 

resources (79(I)/2010, various modifications in the subsequent years) is in place since the first 
RBMP;  however,  implementation  (control  and  sanctions)  of  water  abstractions  and  their 

exceedance  remains  a  challenge,  which  is  not  properly  dealt  with  to  achieve  the  WFD 
objectives. 

10.3. Progress with Commission recommendations 

Regarding  basic  measures  (Article  11(3)(e)),  in  Cyprus  there  is  a  concession,  authorisation 
and/or permitting regime to control water impoundment and a register of impoundments; and 

small  abstractions  are  not  exempted  from  these  controls.  Measures  on  this  topic  have  been 
implemented  in  the  previous  cycle  but  new  measures  and/or  significant  changes  are  also 

planned for the 2016-2021 period.  

The  Commission  recommendations  based  on  the  first  RBMPs  and  first  Programme  of 
Measures requested action on the following: 

  Recommendation:  Utilise  metering  (especially  for  agriculture)  to  better  determine 
quantitative  status  of  water  bodies  and  to  secure  their  long-term  protection  because 
abstraction  of  groundwater  is  a  significant  pressure  in  Cyprus,  mainly  due  to 

unregulated self-abstractions and permits not set consistent with environmental needs.  

Assessment:  Although  in  principle  all  water  abstractions,  including  self-abstractions, 

from groundwater and surface waterbodies require a permit since the first RBMP, the 
law  for  the  integrated  management  of  water  resources  defines  exceptions.  Regarding 

the exemption for abstractions “based on a water right” and “privately owned water”, 

73  Cyprus subsequently clarified that pricing according to ΚΔΠ48/2017, foresees that abstractions less than 500 
m3/year used for gardens are not charged. Environmental and resource costs (ERC) have been attributed to the 
water  users  who  abstract  water  from  private  sources  (boreholes)  taking  into  consideration  the  cost  of  the 
measure, the expected environmental benefit from its application as well as the administrative constraints. All 
abstractions for any consumption and for any other uses will be charged with ERC, as well as all abstractions 
for garden irrigation above 500 m3/yr.  

125 

 
                                                      
the  law  stipulates  that  existing  water  rights  refer  to  rights  on  inland  waters  existing 

before the entry into force of this law (2010) based on the real estate law. In addition, 
abstractions  in  place  before  the  first  RBMP  need  to  get  “new”  water  permits,  the 

deadline  for  which  has  been  postponed  a  number  of  times.  It  cannot  be  assessed  for 
how many of the current water abstractions a permit is in place. Cyprus estimates that 

there  is  around  10 000  of  unauthorised  (active)  wells  most  of  which  are  used  for 
gardening with a permit to pump water less than 250 cubic meters per year; whilst other 
sources consider the number even higher74. 

In  general,  metering  is  required  for  new  water  permits  (after  2010):  the  law  for  the 

integrated  management  of  water  resources  (79(I)/2010,  various  modifications  in  the 
subsequent  years)  stipulates  that  every  owner  of  a  water  permit  has  to  install  a  water 

meter  or  another  measurement  system,  when  this  is  required  by  the  conditions  of  the 
water permit. At the same time, the water abstractions (old water rights) in place before 
the  2010  law  do  not  have  such  a  strict  requirement  in  place.  For  water  provided  by 

government  irrigation  works,  the  water  pricing  law  (ΚΔΠ128/2014)  states  that  “in 
cases where the metering of irrigation water is  not  possible (preventing pricing based 

on  water  volume  used),  the  Director  of  the  Water  Development  Department  or  the 
council of the government irrigation project on a case-by-case basis defines the way for 

estimating the used irrigation water volumes, either per area irrigated, crops irrigated or 
the length of time water was used.” The same law further mentions the same exemption 

for  non-government  irrigation  networks,  self-supply  and  for  irrigation  with  recycled 
water. Regulation ΚΔΠ 48/2017 which set new specific water tariffs (inter alia) also for 

irrigation  water  indicate  the  same  restriction  (charging  not  based  on  volumes  but  on 
estimations  based  on  area,  crops,  time)  for  “irrigation/other  uses  with  water  from 

boreholes and surface waters”, so self-abstractions (Annex II-B) for consumption less 
than  30 000  cubic  meters  per  year.  It  cannot  be  assessed  how  many  authorised  water 

abstractions from agriculture are actually metered. In addition, there are indications that 
many non-authorised abstractions still exist. There is no known government action plan 

or commitment to apply a “strict” volumetric pricing policy (thus, requiring irrigation 
water to be charged only based on metered volumes). Even the recent 2017 law allows 

for “other estimations” (based on area, crops) and does not provide a clear action plan 

74    E.g.  Anastasia  Sofroniou  &  Steven  Bishop  (2014)  “Water  Scarcity  in  Cyprus:  A  Review  and  Call  for 

Integrated Policy” refer to a considerable number of the 100,000 existing wells as illegal. 

126 

 
                                                      
 
on  how  to  change  this  situation75.  In  light  of  some  of  these  limitations  it  can  be 
concluded that this recommendation has been partially fulfilled. 

  Recommendation: ‘The Programme of Measures includes some planned actions to be 
taken  to  tackle  the  serious  problem  of  over-exploitation  of  groundwater,  but  they  are 
not yet implemented and it is questionable whether they are sufficiently robust to solve 

the  serious  problem.  There  is  a  need  for  ambitious  measures  to  tackle  water  demand 
and illegal abstractions.’ ‘Enforce ‘the Law for groundwater status improvement  (the 

application  deadline  for  non-licensed  boreholes  was  extended  until  June  2014  for 
farmers)’.  

Assessment: There is no reference to illegal abstractions/boreholes in the RBMP. Only, 
the  Economic  analysis  annex  to  the  RBMP  states:  “In  many  cases,  there  is  no  full 

control yet if the limits set for the use of boreholes are complied with. In combination 
with  the  existence  of  illegal  boreholes,  this  has  led  to  significant  overuse  of 

groundwater  and  a  worsening  of  the  status  of  most  of  the  groundwater  bodies  of 
Cyprus”. 

The  Law  for  the  integrated  management  of  water  resources  (79(I)/2010,  various 
modifications in the subsequent years) stipulates in Article 103(5) that the water permit 

can  be  cancelled/modified  if  its  specifications  have  been  severely  (or  repeatedly) 
breached.  The  fines  for  not  complying  with  the  water  permit  content  (including 

volumes used) are defined in Article 112 and 134. Article 120, 121 and 123 of the Law 
define the rights for inspections, but do not specify the details of the inspection system 

(frequency, number of staff etc.).  

In practice, there are indications that the inspection system checks only a fraction of the 

water  abstractions:  in  the  2014  annual  report  of  the  Water  Development  Department 
(the most recent available annual report) it is stated that. “Due to the high workload in 

examining applications for legalizing unlicensed boreholes, during 2014 the monitoring 
of the water meter readings was carried out on about 300 boreholes only” out of 31 500 
legal boreholes. In addition, the 2014-report on water management by the Audit Office 

of the Republic of Cyprus criticises the almost non-existent inspection of the allowed 
maximum volumes of boreholes and recommends a significant increase in inspections. 

75  Cyprus subsequently clarified that the ΚΔΠ48/2017 does not withdraw the obligation to install water meters on 
boreholes,  neither  the  abstraction  control  permit  (which  is  always  applied).  All  water  prices  are  based  on  a 
volumetric  basis.  However,  because  of  the  unfeasibility  to  have  access  to  all  metering,  the  charging  for 
abstraction permits below 30.000 will be calculated based on the permit, or other parameter (e.g. crop, area) if 
necessary. As regards the pricing within GWW, the regulations 128/2014 and 48/2017 allow for the estimation 
of the consumption, pricing and subsequent invoicing according to area, crop etc. 

127 

 
                                                      
In addition, it states that for a big number of older boreholes (before the 2010-law) no 

maximum volumes are set. Even in inspection cases were the maximum volumes were 
exceeded (38 out of 353 of the inspected boreholes), no fine was imposed. In light of 

some  of  these  limitations  it  can  be  concluded  that  this  recommendation  has  been 
partially fulfilled76. 

  Recommendation:  ‘Promote  more  efficient  irrigation  networks  and  maximization  of 

water reuse’ 

Assessment:  Complementary  measures  are  planned  to  be  implemented  in  Cyprus 
associated to KTM7 - Improvements in flow regime and/or establishment of ecological 

flows and KTM8 - Water efficiency, technical measures for irrigation, industry, energy 
and  households,  in  both  surface  and  groundwater  bodies.  KTM7  -  Improvements  in 
flow regime and/or establishment of ecological  flows  aims for 10.2 m m3 per  year of 
water  abstracted/diverted  for  agriculture  (and  public  supply,  which  in  principle  is  not 

considered within this KTM) to be reduced to achieve objectives for 18 surface water 
bodies.  KTM8  -  Water  efficiency,  technical  measures  for  irrigation,  industry,  energy 
and households aims for 19m m3 per year of water abstracted/diverted for agriculture to 
be reduced to achieve objectives of groundwater bodies related to 960 km2 of irrigated 
land, eliminating the gap for all concerned water bodies by 2021. This recommendation 
has been implemented by Cyprus. 

  Recommendation:  ‘Consider  switching  to  less  water-intensive  agricultural  products, 

which can often provide a better economic return.’ 

Assessment:  Looking  at  the  basic  measures,  no  "behavioural"  measures  regarding 
agriculture  and  irrigation  are  included  in  the  RBMP.  There  is  only  a  supplementary 

measure  regarding  the  provision  of  information/know-how  to  farmers  regarding  the 
sustainable use of water (ΣΜ-xv-01).  

76    Cyprus  subsequently  clarified  that  a  Road  Map  has  been  prepared  with  the  aim  to  tackle  groundwater  over-
abstractions  from  agriculture.  This  road  map  is  presented  in  the  Report  on  Program  of  Measures  and  in  the 
RBMP.  The  actions  included  in  the  road  map  are  described  in  chapter  6.6  of  the  report  on  Program  of 
Measures and in chapter 13.4.1.6 of the RBMP. Part of the actions are included in the program of measures for 
the period 2016-2021. The rest are considered as the main priorities of Cyprus and they will be implemented 
gradually  according  to  the  available  resources.  The  Road Map  is  structured  around  the  following  four  basic 
objectives:  Identification  and  recording  of  all  abstraction  points  (boreholes)  and  water  quantity  abstracted; 
Determination of the available water quantity for abstraction from each GWB; Promotion of water savings in 
agriculture; Implementation – enforcement and inspection of the actions of the road map. In chapter 15 of the 
RBMP the main actions that are planned and/or are have already been implemented and the timetable for their 
implementation  are  presented.  For  the  implementation  of  the  actions  included  in  the  Road  Map  and/or  the 
obligations derived from them, a mechanism for enforcement and inspection has to be set up.  

128 

 
                                                      
Yet, the most important measure seems to be the new water pricing regime/law (now in 

place, see above) which also includes environmental and resource costs and should in 
theory  provide  incentives  for  a  more  sustainable  water  use/change  in  behaviour, 

especially  in  agriculture.  The  incentive  effects  of  the  new  2017  water  prices  are  not 
discussed/described.  While  the  overall  water  pricing  policy  has  as  an  aim  to  provide 

incentives, the limited/no existent increase in irrigation water prices in 2017 will likely 
not provide better incentives for rational water use, something that would probably be 

needed since many cases of not reaching the environmental objectives of the WFD are 
related to water use from agriculture.  

The specific water prices (for all agricultural uses, including self-abstractions and use 
of  recycled  water)  have  been  defined  through  the  regulations  ΚΔΠ  48/2017.  Yet,  the 

rates  of  environmental  and  resource  costs  included  in  the  new  water  prices  (ΚΔΠ 
48/2017)  are  systematically  lower  than  the  ones  estimated  in  the  RBMP/the  relevant 
economic analysis annex. In addition (and this is valid not only for the environmental 

and  resource  costs  estimation,  but  also  to  a  large  extent  also  for  the  financial  costs 
calculation and the resulting  degree of cost  recovery  for the different  water services): 

The  estimations  are  directly  taken  over  from  a  2009-report  (an  update  of  the  2004-
economic analysis report), using information for the period 2005-2007. The economic 

analysis  annex  of  the  second  RBMP  has  only  been  partly  updated  (e.g.  including  the 
overall  regulations  regarding  water  pricing  (ΚΔΠ128/2014))  yet  the  important  cost 

recovery rates remain the same as in the 2009-report. In addition, since the estimations 
are based on numbers available in 2009, also the new information on monitoring/status 

of water bodies made available since 2009 has not been used. This information might 
affect the calculated environmental and resource costs (status of water bodies might be 

different than in the first RBMP due to new monitoring information). This is something 
that also the 2014 report on water management by the Audit Office of the Republic of 

Cyprus criticises. The water pricing for irrigation water overall for Cyprus (up to 2013) 
are reported in the RBMP as 0,05 €/m3 to 0,56 €/m3. The new water prices (since 2017) 
are  in  the  range  of  0,12-0,17  €/m3  (plus  a  yearly  connection  fee)  for  irrigation  water 
provided by government irrigation works. No real increase can be found as compared to 

the previous prices (for 2005-2007, but valid until 2016): the economic analysis report 
shows 0,15 to 0,17€ /m3 for irrigation water provided by government irrigation works 
(but without a connection fee). These price changes cannot be assessed in more detail, 
yet it cannot be expected that a higher cost recovery rate for irrigation can be reached 

through  these  new  water  prices.  It  is  important  to  note  here  the  economic  analysis 
report itself states on pp. 8-102 that “an increase of irrigation water price between 0,21 
to 0,25€/m3 would not disrupt the agricultural production system in Cyprus in the short- 

129 

 
to  medium  term”.  The  calculated  environmental  and  resource  costs  related  to 

agriculture (in the economic analysis annex to the RBMP) are approx. Five to ten times 
higher  than  the  ones  included  in  the  2017  pricing  regulation:  the  calculated 
environmental  and  resource  costs  are  approximately  0,1€  /m3  for  government  works, 
0,194€ /m3 for self-abstractions and 0,056€ /m3 for recycled water. In the RBMP there 
is no discussion of “adequateness” of these contributions, since the RBMP was adopted 
before the water price stetting regulation came into force. So, an analysis by Cyprus on 
if the new water prices for agriculture are “adequate” does not exist77. Limited directly 
applicable progress has been made in meeting this recommendation. 

77  Cyprus  subsequently  clarified  that  the  water  tariff  for  irrigation  of  0.56  €/m3  mentioned  above  was  the 
overconsumption charge from GWW until 2016. With the ΚΔΠ48/2017, this price was revised to €0.45/m3, 
i.e. equal to the full cost of irrigation water from GWW, including ERC. The new water prices (since 2017) for 
irrigation  water  provided  by  government  irrigation  works  are  in  the  range  of  €0.12  to  0.45  €/m3  €  (plus  a 
yearly connection fee). The ERC applied for agricultural irrigation is well below the estimated cost, as stated 
above, due to social and economic reasons and after a public consultation process.  

130 

 
 
 
                                                      
Topic 11 Measures related to pollution from agriculture  

11.1. Assessment of implementation and compliance with WFD requirements 

in second cycle  

In  the  first  cycle  diffuse  pollution  from  nutrients  and  over  abstraction  were  the  two  main 

pressures  but  in  the  second  cycle  only  diffuse  pollution  is  mentioned  and  measures  are 
proposed. An overall gap assessment was carried out for nitrogen, phosphorus and biological 

oxygen  demand  through  an  evaluation/prediction  of  how  effective  the  measures  would  be  at 
reducing the pressures to the level to achieve good status, including measures for controlling 

diffuse pollution. The summary of the "objectives" provides information on what was carried 
out  regarding  surface  water  bodies  and  involved  a  comparison  of  the  estimated  loads  of 

Nitrate,  Phosphorus  and  biological  oxygen  demand  with  the  transition  loads  e.g.  loads  that 
trigger  the  transition  form  good  status  to  status  less  than  good,  for  each  type  of  river  water 

body,  as  part  of  an  analysis  of  the  significance  of  pressures  in  Cyprus’  river  water  bodies 
carried out by the Water Development Department. The analysis also considered other critical 

parameters  such  as  the  level  of  uncertainty  of  the  classification  of  the  status  of  the  water 
bodies, the progress of ongoing projects aimed to tackle the impacts of activities in the waters 

(e.g.  the  Vati  Project,  Wastewater  Treatment  Facilities)  and  the  estimated  reduction  of  the 
loads  and  impacts  expected  from  the  implementation  of  the  proposed  program  of  measures. 

The  area  of  agricultural  land  required  to  be  covered  by  agricultural  measures  to  achieve 
objectives would be 1.400 km2 and is not going to change between 2015 and 2021. 

The Programme of Measures summarizes what has been implemented with regard to reducing 
agricultural  pressures.  Therein,  various  activities  "over  the  last  years"  were  mentioned, 

including  six  new  Nitrate  Vulnerable  Zones,  a  new  mandatory  action  programme  for 
vulnerable  zones  (from  2014),  the  good  agricultural  practice  code  (from  2007)  as  well  as 

various actions in the Rural Development Programme (2007-2013). Further, the Programme of 
Measures  with  regard  to  Nitrate  Vulnerable  Zones,  states  that  the  provisions  of  the  Nitrate 
Directive have been implemented; in addition, a revised action programme had been agreed in 
2014 (with the specific activities described). For controlling its implementation, controllers for 
each  province  have  been  assigned.  There  is  no  specific  mention  of  how  much  the  Nitrate 

Action Programme will contribute to closing the nutrient gap. 

Mandatory  measures  (KTM2  -  Reduce  nutrient  pollution  from  agriculture)  under  Article 

1(3)(h)  for  the  control  of  diffuse  pollution  from  agriculture  at  source  are  the  only  measures 
reported  to  have  been  taken  to  tackle  the  pressure.  There  are  various  basic  measures  (the 
minimum requirement to be complied with) related to Article 11(3)(h), many of them related to 

131 

 
agriculture, but how much each measure will contribute to good ecological status/closing the 

gap has not been assessed in detail. Controls or general binding rules (Article 11(3)(h) WFD) 
for addressing diffuse pollution from agriculture at source are applied and implemented, under 

differentiated rules for different parts of the RBDs. 

Regarding  Article  11(3)(d),  the  Programme  of  Measures  mentions  that  no  additional 

measures/activities are needed beyond what is already implemented and refers to "activities for 
protection of protection zones" (including for the drinking water protection zones and nitrate 

vulnerable zones). The regulations regarding drinking water protection zones are extensive and 
include safeguard zones (for a description, see T15, Q 4.1 and 4.2) and have been implemented 

since the first RBMPs. These refer also to prohibitions regarding agricultural activities. 

Measures  to  reduce  hydromorphological  pressures  from  agriculture  are  also  part  of  the 

Programme of Measures. Legally binding measures under Article 11(3)(g) measures seem not 
to  be needed to  reduce point sources of agricultural  contaminants as no point pressures from 
agriculture are reported.  

No  information  is  provided  as  regards  whether  or  not  farmers/farmers'  Unions  have  been 
consulted under the Public Consultation process.  

In  the  first  cycle  no  clear  information  on  how  the  measures  would  be  funded  was  provided. 
This information has now been provided for the first cycle and financing in the second cycle of 

agriculture measures is now reported to be secured. Water pricing is mentioned as a measure in 
the first cycle but this is not reported for the second cycle.  

Advisory services and measures to tackle the issue of pesticides have  been applied in Cyprus 
as  a  result  of  the  implementation  of  other  policies  concerning  agriculture.  According  to 
Directive  2009/12878  and  the  National  Action  Plan,  all  professional  users  should  hold  a 
Professional User of Plant Protection Products (PPP) Training Certificate. 

11.2. Main changes in implementation and compliance since first cycle 

In  the  first  cycle  diffuse  pollution  and  over  abstraction  were  reported  as  being  the  two  main 

pressures. This has changed and in the second cycle only diffuse pollution is mentioned as the 
significant  pressure  from  agriculture.  Water  pricing  was  reported  as  a  measure  in  the  first 

cycle, but this is no longer the case for the second. In the first cycle no clear information on 
how the measures will be funded has been provided. This information is now provided for the 

first cycle. Financing of agriculture measures is secured now for the second cycle. 

78  Directive  2009/128/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  21  October  2009  establishing  a 

framework for Community action to achieve the sustainable use of pesticides. 

132 

 
                                                      
11.3. Progress with Commission recommendations 

The  Commission  recommendations  based  on  the  first  RBMPs  and  first  Programme  of 
Measures requested action on the following: 

  Recommendation: (from first RBMP assessment) Agriculture is indicated as exerting a 
significant pressure on the water resource in Cyprus. This should be translated into a 

clear  strategy  that  defines  the  basic/mandatory  measures  that  all  farmers  should 
adhere to and the additional supplementary measures that can be financed. This should 

be  developed  with  the  farming  community  to  ensure  technical  feasibility  and 
acceptance. There needs to be a very clear baseline so that any farmer knows the rules 

this can be adequately advised and enforced and so that the authorities in charge of the 
CAP  funds  can  adequately  set  up  Rural  Development  programmes  and  cross 

compliance water requirements. 

The information provided is not fully sufficient to check whether the recommendation 

has been fully implemented although parts of the recommendation have been addressed 
according to the information provided. 

  Recommendation:  (from  PoM  assessment)  Review  the  degree  to  which  the  existing 
measures  to  implement  the  Nitrates  Directive  (ND)  are  sufficient  to  address 

agricultural  pressures  and  concentrate  efforts  on  ensuring  farmers  understand  their 
obligations  in  this  regard  and  can  finance  the  necessary  investments.  Additionally 

Cyprus should ensure basic measures as per article 11.3.h of the WFD are put in place 
to  control  other  diffuse  pollutants  –  e.g.  phosphate,  pesticides,  particulate  matter. 

These measures should  be specific, have a  clear legal basis, and include appropriate 
advice, monitoring and inspection regimes to ensure their effective implementation.  In 

addition  to  the  basic  measures,  it  should  be  set  out  clearly  what  supplementary 
measures will be needed to bridge the gap to good status and which of these measures 

will be included in the second POM and what funding sources will be used to deliver 
these. Clear references to expectations for the Rural Development Programs (RDPs) in 
this regard (and to other funding sources) are expected. Irrigation investments made in 
the  Rural  Development  Programmes  must  be  carried  out  to  ensure  water  saved  goes 

back to restore depleted aquifers. 

Assessment:  It  can  be  deduced  that  good  progress  has  been  made  towards  fulfilling 

the  requirements  of  this  recommendation.  A  gap  assessment  regarding  nitrogen, 
including  an 
phosphorus  and  biological  oxygen  demand  was  performed 

133 

 
evaluation/prediction  of  how  effective  the  measures  are/would  be  at  reducing  the 

pressures to the level to achieve good status.  

The Action Program for protecting Nitrate Vulnerable Zones from agricultural sources 

was  revised,  after  communication  between  the  Cypriot  authorities  and  the  European 
Commission/DG  Environment.  The  amendments  of  the  Action  Program  include  the 

following:  

o  Inclusion of definitions of various terms used in the program; 

o  The prohibition of using nitrogen fertilizers from  the 1st of November of  each 

year until the 31st of January of the following year; 

o  Additional  information  on  the  calculation  of  the  required  capacity  of  the 

evaporation lagoons, considering rainfall and evaporation; 

o  A set of clear requirements for temporary storage of solid manure; 

o  Additional provisions for monitoring the implementation of Action Program by 

a Committee; 

o  Additional provision for soil analysis every two years for trees and cereals and 

every year for vegetables and water analysis every three years; 

o  Additional  information  and  examples  for  easier  calculation  of  the  maximum 
quantity of manure which farmers can use in order to comply with the limit of 

170Kg of nitrogen per hectare per year; 

Furthermore, it is noted that Cyprus authorities are in the process for a new revision of 

the Action Program. The purpose of the new revision is to include: 

o  A  new  table  for  the  crop  nitrogen  needs  in  relation  to  the  yield  and  irrigation 

needs, and; 

o  A new analytical table containing the manure and annual nitrogen excretion by 

several categories and subcategories of animals.  

134 

 
The  issue  of  Nitrate  Vulnerable  Zone  is  planned  to  be  re-examined  in  the  next 

management  cycle,  in  conjunction  with  the  implementation  of  the  Floods  Directive 
2007/60/EC79 in Cyprus. 

Basic  measures  under  Article  1(3)(h)  are  taken  and  address  microbiological  and 
bacteriological  issues,  nitrates,  organic  pollution,  pesticides  and  phosphorus.  Also 

measures  to  reduce  hydromorphological  pressures  from  agriculture  are  reported. 
Legally  binding  measures  under  Article  11(3)(g)  measures  seem  not  to  be  needed  to 

reduce point sources of agricultural contaminants as no point pressures from agriculture 
are reported.  

Funding  information  in  relation  to  measures  is  provided.  It  remains  unclear  from  the 
RBMP  if  irrigation  investments  made  in  the  Rural  Development  Programmes  are 

carried out and if it is ensured that water saved goes back to restore depleted aquifers. 

79  Directive  2007/60/EC  on  the  assessment  and  management  of  flood  risks  entered  into  force  on  26  November 

2007 http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32007L0060  

135 

 
 
 
                                                      
 
Topic  12  Measures  related  to  pollution  from  sectors  other  than 
agriculture  

12.1.  Assessment  of 

implementation  and 

compliance  with  WFD 

requirements in second cycle 

In  the  context  of  this  topic,  pollution  is  considered  in  terms  of  nutrients,  organic  matter, 
sediment,  saline  discharges  and  chemicals  (Priority  Substances,  River  Basin  Specific 

Pollutants,  groundwater  pollutants  and  other  physico-chemical  parameters)  arising  from  all 
sectors  and  sources  apart  from  agriculture.  Key  types  of  measures  (KTM)  are  groups  of 

measures identified by Member States in their Programmes of Measures which target the same 
pressure  or  purpose.  A  KTM  could  be  limited  to  one  national  measure  but  would  typically 

comprise  more  than  one  national  measure.  The  same  individual  measure  can  also  be  part  of 
more  than  one  KTM  because  it  may  be  multipurpose,  but  also  because  the  KTMs  are  not 

completely independent of one another. 

The following KTMs relevant to non-agricultural sources of pressures causing failure of WFD 
objectives have been reported for the Cyprus RBD: 

KTM1 - "Construction or upgrades of wastewater treatment plants" 

KTM14 - "Research, improvement of knowledge base reducing uncertainty" and  

KTM21  -  "Measures  to  prevent  or  control  the  input  of  pollution  from  urban  areas,  transport 
and built infrastructure".  

These KTMs do not include KTM15 – "Measures for the phasing-out of emissions, discharges 
and losses of Priority Hazardous Substances or for the reduction of emissions, discharges and 

losses  of  Priority  Substances",  nor  KTM16  –  "Upgrades  or  improvements  of  industrial 
wastewater treatment plants (including farms)", despite the fact that the Topic 3 and Topic 4 

assessments have indicated that both  Priority Substances and River  Basin  Specific Pollutants 
could cause non-compliance.  

The  WFD  specifies  that  Programme  of  Measures  shall  include,  as  a  minimum,  “basic 
measures” and, where necessary to achieve objectives, “supplementary measures” when basic 

measures are not enough to address specific significant pressures (see chapter 9 in this report). 
Quantitative  information  on  basic  measures  used  to  tackle  pollution  from  non-agricultural 

sources  (number  of  measures  per  KTM)  has  been  provided  for  KTM1  and  KTM21.  No 
supplementary measures are mentioned.  

136 

 
Three KTM1 measures (designated BM-a-01 to 03) have been applied: 

  Completion of the sewage systems (networks and treatment) for; 

  Continuation  of  monitoring  on  compliance  of  the  wastewater  treatment  plants  in 

vulnerable zones, and; 

  For  the  vulnerable  zones:  constructing  the  sewage  network  and  appropriate  treatment 

for the remaining part of one settlement. 

Under KTM21, 13 basic measures are indicated, of which five are tackling point sources and 
eight diffuse sources (however, all these 8 measures are related to agriculture). The five non-

agricultural measures tackling point sources (designated BM-g-01 to 05) are as follows: 

 

Increasing  coherence  of  monitoring  and  establishing  a  remediation  plan  for  old  mine 

material disposal sites in order to improve chemical status to good; 

 

Implementation of a specific intensive investigative monitoring programme for Nickel 

in the Kouris river; 

 

Immediate remediation of the waste disposal site of Lemessos; 

  Priority  specification  and  implementation  of  the  following  projects:  Wastewater 
treatment  plants  for  Apakapa  and  Apilikio  municipalities,  construction  of  sewage 
network and wastewater treatment plant in the Ag. Ioannis Agros municipality, and; 

 

Immediate remediation of the waste disposal site of Lemessos. 

No  systematic  information  is  provided  on  what  effects  these  KTM21  measures  will  have  on 

reaching  the  objectives.  They  focus  on  waste  disposal  sites,  old  mining  sites,  a  specific 
monitoring  programme  for  one  substance  in  one  surface  water  body,  and  urgent  wastewater 

treatment projects. 

Cyprus provided more targeted information on basic measures required under Article 11 (3)(c 

to  k).  Use  of  an  authorisation  and/or  permitting  regime  to  control  waste  water  point  source 
discharges (Basic measures Article 11(3)(g)) was reported for the Cyprus RBD for surface and 

groundwater.  A  register  of  waste  water  discharges  (Basic  measures  Article  11(3)(g))  is 
available in  the Cyprus  RBD for surface and  groundwater. Small  waste  water discharges are 

exempted from controls in Cyprus and some direct discharges to groundwater are authorised in 
accordance with Article 11(3)(j).  

137 

 
Measures  explicitly  to  eliminate/reduce  pollution  from  Priority  Substances  and  other 

substances are not in place in Cyprus despite the fact that both Priority Substances and River 
Basin Specific Pollutants could cause non-compliance (see Topics 3 and 4).  

Cyprus subsequently clarified that the review of the significant pressures and impacts (Article 
5, WFD) carried out for the preparation of the second RBMP showed that waterbody status is 
affected mainly by: 

∙  Agriculture  
∙  Hydromorphological alterations  
∙  Discharges from agglomerations not connected to sewerage network  
∙  Waste disposal facilities  
∙  Vati (Wastewater facility) 
∙  Mines 

As a result the Programme of Measures was formulated to tackle those pressures, in particular, 

out of a total of 55 measures: 

∙  17 measures targeted to hydromorphological alterations (14 supplementary)  

∙ 

∙ 

two measures targeted to  wastewater (all basic) 

two measures targeted to  waste disposal (all basic) 

∙  nine measures targeted to  agriculture (two supplementary) 

∙  10 measures targeted to  abstraction (six supplementary) 

∙ 

three measures targeted to  mining activities (onesupplementary) 

Additionally six measures for protected areas and six horizontal measures concerning actions 

related to more than one of the abovementioned activities are included.  

Details of the above mentioned measures as well as of the waterbodies concerned are given in 

the report on the Programme of Measures in Chapter 9. 

12.2.  Main changes in implementation and compliance since first cycle  

Measures  in  the  first  RBMP  were  not  clearly  linked  to  status  failures  or  specific  substances. 

This information is missing in the second RBMP as well. No information on or explanation of 

138 

 
 
measures  planned  for  the  Priority  Substances  and  River  Basin  Specific  Pollutants  causing 

failure was found in the RBMP/Programme of Measures.  

Cyprus subsequently provided additional information, as indicated above, stating that measures 

to  tackle  River  Basin  Specific  Pollutants  and  Priority  Substances  are  included  in  the 
Programme  of  Measures.  The  main  sources  of  these  substances  are  agriculture,  waste  water 

discharges, mining, and waste disposal sites, which are addressed by the measures listed above, 
and  by  some  horizontal  measures  (mainly  administrative  measures  or  measures  concerning 

monitoring)  that  are  relevant  to  these  substances.  The  main  measures  that  address  pollution 
from River Basin Specific Pollutants and Priority Substances are the following  

-  ΒΜ-h-03:  Inclusion  in  cross  compliance  rules  of  specific  arrangements  – 

obligations related to water body protection in targeted areas  

-  ΒΜ -h-04: Pasture land management  

-  ΒΜ -h-05: Restrictions on use of chemical herbicides in specific crops   

-  ΒΜ -h-06: Application of crop  rotation to potato and cereal crops   

-  ΒΜ -h-07: Organic farming  

-  ΒΜ -h-09:Targeted agro-environmental actions for  potato and citrus tree crops   

-  BM-g-04:  Prioritization  of 

the  construction  of 

the  following  works: 

Construction of the WWTP of Arakapia, Construction of the WWTP of Apliki, 

Construction of sewage pipeline and WWTP in Ag. Ioannis Agros.  

-  BM-g-03: Immediate rehabilitation of existed Waste Disposal Site of Lefkosia 

-  BM-g-05: Immediate rehabilitation of existed Waste Disposal Site of Lemessos 

-  ΣΜ-xvi-01: Special monitoring programme of the trends in the chemical status 
in  Argaki  Limnis  WB  to  draw  conclusions  on  the  effectiveness  of  the 

rehabilitation works in Limni Mine on the water status, with the aim of applying 
them to  rehabilitation works planned in other regions. 

Details of the above mentioned measures as well as of the waterbodies concerned are 
given in the report on the Program of Measures in Chapter 7.3.6 (pp. 7-127 – 7- 147), 

chapter 7.3.5 (pp. 7-117 – 7- 127) and chapter 7.4.7 (pp. 7 – 210) 

139 

 
For these measures only a limited number of KTMs is reported. 

12.3.  Progress with Commission recommendations 

The Commission made one recommendation based on the first RBMPs and first Programme of 
Measures: 

  Recommendation:  “Accelerate  implementation  of  the  Urban  Waste  Water  Treatment 
Directive  measures,  availing  of  European  Union  funds  as  collecting  systems  and 
treatment  plants  are  not  fully  operational  (62,0%  of  the  population  equivalent 

according to 2010 data).” 

Assessment: Measures to tackle urban point sources are reported in WISE.  Regarding 

the implementation of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Directive, in the Programme 
of  Measures  (pp.  6-60)  it  is  stated  that  at  this  point,  17  urban  wastewater  treatment 

plants  are  operational  with  a  capacity  of  1141350  population  equivalents  (p.e.)  that 
cover  57  settlements.  Four  additional  ones  (those  from  BM-a-01)  are  under 

construction and are co-financed with cohesion funds of €139 million. Beyond that, an 
additional  wastewater  treatment  plant  is  being  constructed  with  the  support  of 

Switzerland.  According  to  the  revised  Urban  Waste  Water  Treatment  Directive 
implementation plan, for 2016-2021 an increase in capacity of 312150 p.e. is planned, 

with a budget of €480 million, leading to 23 urban wastewater treatment plants being 
operational. 

Regarding the relevant (Article 11(3)(a)) measures, a summary is given in the RBMP of 
the  legal  transposition  of  the  Urban  Waste  Water  Treatment  Directive,  the  current 
implementation  status  (also  regarding  the  use  of  sludge,  relevant  monitoring  etc.)  as 

well as the targets of the revised 2011 implementation plan. It is stated that a significant 
reduction  of  diffuse  pollution  is  expected  through  the  implementation  of  the  Urban 

Waste Water Treatment Directive.   

The recommendation therefore appears to have been acted upon. 

140 

 
 
 
 
Topic 13 Measures related to hydromorphology  

13.1.  Assessment  of 

implementation  and 

compliance  with  WFD 

requirements in second cycle 

The only significant hydromorphological pressures for which the number and size of affected 

the 
surface  water  bodies  are  reported 
channel/bed/riparian  area/shore  (due  to  other  uses)  of  two  lake  water  bodies.  For  river  water 

to  physical  alterations  of 

in  WISE  relate 

bodies,  even  though  significant  hydromorphological  pressures  are  not  reported,  there  are 
significant abstraction pressures due to agriculture and public water supply. Overall, it remains 

unclear  why  several  hydromorphological  pressures  are  reported  as  not  significant,  since  the 
Programme of Measures mentions that 43% of all surface water bodies are facing significant 

hydromorphological  pressures.  The  Cypriot  authorities  subsequently  informed  that  for  the 
second  RBMP  a  methodology  for  the  assessment  of  hydromorphological  pressures  has  been 

developed. This methodology is used for the review of the impacts  and pressures carried out 
under Article 5 and further developed and applied in the first steps of the methodology for the 

designation of HMWBs. As a result, 43% of the surface water bodies classified with ecological 
status  less  than  good  are  facing  significant  hydromorphological  pressures  and  relevant 

measures are included in the program of measures to tackle them.  

At  the  same  time,  operational  KTM  to  tackle  significant  pressures  are  not  reported  for  the 

physical  alterations  of  lakes  due  to  other  uses  but  are  reported  for  other  types  of 
hydromorphological  pressures,  namely  physical  alterations  due  to  flood  protection  and 

agriculture, dams/barriers/locks due to flood protection, drinking water and irrigation as well as 
hydromorphological  alterations  due  to  other  use.  The  relevant  KTM  reported  are  KTM5- 

Improving  longitudinal  continuity  and  KTM6  -  Improving  hydromorphological  conditions. 
Quantitative management objectives in terms of restoring river continuity have been set. 

To  tackle  the  significant  abstractions  on  river  water  bodies,  KTM7-Improvements  in  flow 
regime and/or establishment of ecological flows was reported to be made operational. 

Supplementary  measures  of  relevance  to  hydromorphology  include  following  activities  as 

options: fish ladders, habitat restoration, removal of structures, restoration of modified bed and 
bank structures, setting of ecological flows. Some additional activities are mentioned such as 

pilot measures to support protected species in selected natural rivers, tree planting to support 
hydromorphological improvements; monitoring of ecological effectiveness of ecological flows 

and studies to improve knowledge on inland fish in rivers and lakes of Cyprus. 

141 

 
In  terms  of  basic  measures  planned  to  tackle  hydromorphological  pressures,  there  is  an 

authorisation and/or permitting regime in place to control physical modifications, which covers 
changes to the riparian area of water bodies according to WFD article 11(3)(i). There is also a 

register of physical modifications of water bodies. 

The  RBMP  also  indicates  that  the  relevant  authorities  have  set  a  regulation  and  permitting 

system for projects/activities which can potentially cause hydromorphological alterations. This 
consists of: 

  A registry of all dams and an assessment of their impacts on the river water bodies; 

  A specific regulation framework has been set up for the permitting and approval of new 
developments  adjacent  to  water  bodies  in  order  to  fulfil  both  the  WFD  and  Flood 
Directive requirements, and; 

  Public  and  private  work/projects  and  activities  with  significant  impact  on  the 
environment  including  the  morphological  condition  of  the  water  bodies  undergo  an 
environmental permitting process. 

Win-win  measures  in  terms  of  achieving  the  objectives  of  the  WFD  and  Floods  Directive, 
drought management and use of Natural Water Retention Measures are reported to be included 
in  the Programme of Measures. The design of new and existing structural  measures, such as 

flood defences, storage dams and tidal barriers, is also reported to have been adapted to take 
into account WFD objectives. 

Ecological flows have been derived and implemented for all relevant water bodies. KTM7 (on 
improvements  in  flow  regime  and/or  establishment  of  ecological  flows)  was  reported  as  an 

operational KTM to tackle significant abstractions or flow diversions for agriculture and public 
water supply. 

For  the  preparation  of  the  second  cycle  RBMP,  a  specific  analysis  was  conducted  for  the 
identification of the e-flows in heavily modified river water bodies downstream of dams with 

the  aim  of  achieving  Good  Ecological  Potential.  For  this  analysis,  CIS  Guidance  Document 
number  31  was  taken  into  consideration  and  the  IHA  method  is  applied  in  21  river  basins 

aiming  to  determine  the  adequate  environmental  profile  of  the  flows.  The  results  of  this 
analysis  are  used  to  formulate  the  three  relevant  measures  for  the  determination  of 

environmental  flows  in  selected  dams;  release  environmental  flows  downstream  of  dams, 
release environmental flows targeted in selected sites of significant ecological importance and 

release flood flows in selected dams. The above mentioned measures define the standards for 
ecological  flows in Cyprus. Furthermore a special measure has been included with a view to 

142 

 
monitor  the  results  of  the  proposed  flows  in  aim  to  revise  them  if  necessary  in  the  next 

management cycle.  

No  reference  to  an  additional  administrative  law/regulation  regarding  ecological  flows  was 

found  in  the  RBMP.  It  is  mentioned  though  that,  in  the  context  of  the  development  of  the 
second RBMP, the needs for water in rivers and important ecosystems/protected species below 

dams  have  been  "reassessed",  so  that  specific  regulations  of  the  hydrological  regime  can  be 
developed to protect the important ecological characteristics that are supported by the rivers. In 

addition, according to national legislation, the programme of measures included in the RBMP 
is  approved  by  the  ministerial  Council.  Thus  the  implementation  of  the  programme  of 

measures is mandatory, and the application of the environmental flows included in the RBMP 
is binding for the relevant administrative bodies. 

Indicators on the gap to be filled for significant hydromorphological pressures and significant 
abstraction  pressures  and  KTM  indicator  values  were  reported  for  2015  and  2021.  From  the 

information  available,  it  can  be  concluded  that  there  is  ambition  to  close  the  gap  for 
hydromorphological  pressures  and  abstraction  pressures  by  2021  with  measures  taken  in  the 

second planning cycle. Gap indicators and KTM indicators were zero in 2021, implying that no 
further measures would be needed after 2021. 

13.2.  Main changes in implementation and compliance since first cycle 

The  links  between  water  uses  and  pressures,  and  pressures  and  measures  are  clearer  in  the 

second RBMP reporting, also due to the improved reporting in WISE.  

The RBMP presents the main actions that are completed as a result of the objectives set in the 

first  cycle  RMBP.  During 
these 
hydromorphological pressures and a regulation and licensing framework has been established 

first  cycle,  authorities  have 

registered  all 

the 

for  activities  potentially  leading  to  hydromorphological  alterations.  The  main  actions 
completed were: creation of a register of all dams / and weirs in Cyprus and evaluation of their 

impacts  on  river  water  bodies,  establishment  of  a  specific  regulatory  framework  for  the 
authorization and approval of new developments adjacent to rivers, and requirement for public 

and private projects and activities with significant impacts on the environment including on the 
morphological status of the water bodies to be subject to environmental licensing. The actions 

taken were therefore mainly of administrative and regulatory character.  It is stated that in the 
first RBMPs, specific topics were not considered appropriately due to a lack of knowledge of 

the situation, e.g. on the morphological alterations of river water bodies. 

143 

 
13.3.  Progress with Commission recommendations 

The  Commission  recommendations  based  on  the  first  RBMPs  and  first  Programme  of 
Measures requested action on the following: 

  Recommendation:  (report  2015)  Develop  further  the  hydromorphological  assessment 
methods  so  that  improved  biological  monitoring  results  will  allow  for  better  risk  

assessment  and  more  targeted  measures  concerning  hydromorphological  pressures. 
Cyprus should be more ambitious in second RBMPs in relation to hydromorphological 

measures. 

Assessment:  The  assessment  of  the  first  part  of  the  recommendation  with  regard  to 

hydromorphological assessment is provided in chapter 2 on the characterisation of the 
RBD.  Concerning  the  second  part  of  the  recommendation  on  measures,  the  actions 

taken  on  the  basis  of  measures  planned  in  the  first  cycle  RBMP  were  mainly  of 
administrative  and  regulatory  character.  During  the  first  cycle,  authorities  have 

registered all hydromorphological pressures and a regulation and licensing framework 
to  hydromorphological 
has  been  established  for  activities  potentially 

leading 

alterations.  In  addition,  a  methodology  for  the  assessment  of  hydromorphological 
improve  knowledge  on  hydromorphological 
pressures  has  been  developed 

to 

alterations.  In  the  second  cycle  RBMP,  operational  KTM  to  tackle  significant 
hydromorphological pressures are reported. 43 % of the surface water bodies classified 

with  ecological  status  less  than  good  are  facing  significant  hydromorphological 
pressures  and relevant measures are included in the programme of measures to tackle 
them. Monitoring activities are still ongoing to verify measure effectiveness, e.g. on the 

ecological effectiveness of ecological flows and studies on fish fauna. 

Overall,  progress  is  noted  in  the  planning  of  hydromorphological  measures  for  the 

second RBMPs and the recommendation is considered as fulfilled. 

  Recommendation:  Consider  and  prioritise  the  use  of  green  infrastructure  and/or 
natural water retention measures that provide a range of environmental (improvements 

in  water  quality,  increase  of  water  infiltration  and  thus  aquifer  recharge,  habitat 
conservation etc.), social and economic benefits which can be in many cases more cost-

effective than grey infrastructure."  

Assessment: The specific KTM23 on Natural Water Retention Measures is not reported 

as operational to tackle any significant pressures in the second cycle RBMP. However, 
the RBMP refers to synergies with measures taken under the Flood Risk Management 

144 

 
Plan (FRMP). The management of water resources in Cyprus for the period 2016 -2021 

is formulated by jointly in the two management plans RBMP and FRMP. The Cypriot 
authorities  have  informed  that  Natural  Water  Retention  Measures  are  included  in  the 

FRMP where appropriate (however apparently at a limited extent), for example projects 
for groundwater enrichment and reduction of water flow in river beds upstream, use of 

absorption  pits  for  rainwater  retention,  promotion  of  runoff  reduction  practices, 
promotion  of private rainwater harvesting systems,  stream  restoration, upstream  flood 

retention. 

On the basis of this information, this recommendation is considered as partly fulfilled, 

with the use of natural water retention requiring revisiting in the next Plan. 

145 

 
 
 
 
Topic 14 Economic analysis and water pricing policies  

14.1.  Assessment  of 

implementation  and  compliance  with  WFD 

requirements in second cycle 

A  rather  broad  definition  of  water  services  has  been  used.  Water  services  according  to  the 

sewage 
RBMP  are  classified  as  urban  water 
collection/wastewater treatment and recycled water for irrigation. Self-services are referred to 

irrigation  water 

supply, 

supply, 

(such as private abstractions for water supply) in the description of the provision of drinking 
water and of irrigation water. 

No  justification/explanation  for  the  use  of  Article  9(4)  can  be  found  in  the  RBMP  and 
Annexes80. 

Environmental  and  resource  costs  are  reported  in  WISE  as  calculated,  significant  and 
considered as internalised. 

There  is  no  information  on  the  incentive  function  of  water  pricing  for  all  water  services 
provided81.  

Volumetric charging was reported in WISE as applied for drinking water abstraction (surface 
and/or  groundwater),  treatment  and  distribution,  self-abstraction  and  recycled  water  for 

irrigation. It was reported as partly applied for sewage collection and wastewater treatment and 
irrigation water abstraction, treatment and distribution. The issue of illegal abstractions is not 

discussed in the economic analysis. 

It needs to be noted that after the adoption of the RBMP, a new water pricing law/regulation 

has  been  put  into  place:  In  December  2016,  the  Council  of  Ministers  adopted  the  regulation 
48/2017 which set new specific water tariffs for urban water supply, irrigation and other uses 

with  water  provided  from  state  water  works,  irrigation  and  other  uses  with  water  from 
boreholes  and  surface  waters  and  for  recycled  water.  This  new  legal  framework  adopted  on 

water pricing to give effect to Article 9 of the WFD is now being implemented. 

The economic analysis was reported as updated. 

80 Cyprus notified the Commission that the data reported in WISE will be corrected. 
81  Cyprus  notified  the  Commission  that  this  issue  has  been  addressed  in  the  meanwhile  by  Regulation 

KDP45/2017. 

146 

 
                                                      
14.2. Progress with Commission recommendations 

The  Commission  recommendations  based  on  the  first  RBMPs  and  first  Programme  of 
Measures requested action on the following: 

  Recommendation: The cost-recovery should address a broad range of water services, 
including  impoundments,  abstraction,  storage,  treatment  and  distribution  of  surface 

waters,  and  collection,  treatment  and  discharge  of  waste  water,  also  when  they  are 
"self-services",  for  instance  self-abstraction  for  agriculture.  The  cost  recovery  should 

be transparently presented for all relevant user sectors, and environment and resource 
costs should be included in the costs recovered. Information should also be provided on 

the incentive function of water pricing for all water services, with the aim of ensuring 
an efficient use of water. Information on how the polluter pays principle has been taken 

into account should be provided in the RBMPs.  

  Recommendation:  Develop  fully  the  economic  analysis  of  water  use,  including  the 

calculation of environmental and resource costs. 

Assessment: As stated above, “Water services” according to the RBMP are classified 

as  urban  water  supply,  irrigation  water  supply,  sewage  collection/wastewater 
treatment  and  recycled  water  for  irrigation.  Self-services  are  referred  to  in  the 

description of the provision of drinking water and of irrigation water. Self-supply now 
is also charged a contribution for covering environmental and resource costs.  

In  the  RBMPs  there  are  no  cost  recovery  contributions  calculated  for  the  different 
water uses82. 

The RBMP provides an economic analysis of the significant water uses and the level 
of cost recovery for different water services. The financial cost recovery rates reported 

are: 95 % for drinking water abstraction (surface and/or groundwater), treatment and 
distribution;  100  %  for  sewage  collection  and  wastewater  treatment;  56  %  for 

irrigation  water  abstraction,  treatment  and  distribution;  100  %  for  self-abstractions 
and 18,5 % for recycled water for irrigation. 

The  calculated  environmental  and  resource  costs  related  to  agriculture  (in  the 
economic analysis annex to the RBMP) are significantly higher than the ones included 

in the 2017 pricing regulation. Both environmental and resource costs are calculated 
based on the restoration cost method. 

82  Cyprus  notified  the  Commission  that  this  issue  has  been  addressed  in  the  meanwhile  by  Regulation 

KDP45/2017. 

147 

 
                                                      
There  is  no  reference  to  the  Polluter  Pays  Principle  in  the  RBMP  or  the  economic 
analysis report83. 

There  is  no  information  on  the  incentive  function  of  water  pricing  for  all  water 

services  provided.  Instead,  the  economic  analysis  report  presents  the  water  pricing 
provisions  for  the  different  water  services,  but  without  discussion  of  their  incentive 

effects.  This  is  based  on  the  2014  law;  the  incentive  effects  of  the  new  2017-water 
prices  are  not  discussed/described  in  the  RBMP,  since  they  were  agreed  after  the 

RBMP was adopted. 

Overall,  Cyprus  has  made  progress  regarding  the  implementation  of  the  European 

Commission´s  recommendation  (definition  of  water  services,  calculation  of 
environmental  and  resource  costs),  including  through  the  new  water  pricing  put  in 

place after the preparation of the RBMP, which is therefore partially fulfilled. 

83  Cyprus  notified  the  Commission  that  this  issue  has  been  addressed  in  the  meanwhile  by  Regulation 

KDP45/2017. 

148 

 
 
 
 
                                                      
Topic 15 Considerations specific to Protected Areas (identification, 
monitoring, objectives and measures) 

15.1. Assessment of implementation and compliance with WFD requirements 

in second cycle 

The  identification  of  Protected  Areas  includes  areas  related  to  Article  7  (Drinking  Water 
Directive), Bathing Waters, Habitats, Nitrates and the Urban Waste Water Directives. 

Table 15.1  Number of protected areas of all types in each RBD of Cyprus, for surface and 

groundwater 

Protected Area type 

Number of sub-units 

Rivers 

Lakes 

Coastal  Groundwater 

Abstraction of water intended for 
human consumption under Article 784 

12 

Recreational waters, including areas 
designated as bathing waters under 
Directive 76/160/EEC85 

Protection of species where the 
maintenance or improvement of the 
status of water is an important factor 
in their protection, including relevant 
Natura 2000 sites designated under 
Directive 79/409/EEC (Birds)86 

Protection of habitats or species 
where the maintenance or 
improvement of the status of water is 
an important factor in their protection, 
including relevant Natura 2000 sites 
designated under Directive 
92/43/EEC (Habitats)87 

Nutrient-sensitive areas, including 

113 

29 

6 

4 

1 

8 

5 

13 

6 

84   Cyprus  subsequently  highlighted  that  in  areas  designated  for  the  abstraction  of  water  intended  for  human 
consumption  a  monitoring  programme  is  implemented  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of  Directive 
80/778/EEC  as  amended  by  98/83/EC.  Additionally  12  impounded  rivers  (reservoirs)  fall  into  drinking 
(surface)  water  protected  areas  (Drinking  Water  Protection  Area).  Cyprus  stated  that  these  designated 
protected  areas  include  the  entire  catchments,  so  the  existing  monitoring  of  these  surface  waters  within  the 
protected catchments could be considered as monitoring in protected areas. 

85  Directive  2006/7/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  15  February  2006  concerning  the 
management  of  bathing  water  quality  and  repealing  Directive  76/160/EEC  http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-
content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32006L0007 

  Cyprus  subsequently  noted  that  for  bathing  waters  included  in  the  Register  of  protected  areas  113  sites  are 
monitored in accordance with the provisions of Directive 2006/7/EC and two basic parameters are monitored 
monthly; Intestinal enterococci and Escherichia coli. 

86  Directive  2009/147/EC  of  the  European  Parliament  and  of  the  Council  of  30  November  2009  on  the 

conservation of wild birds http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:32009L0147 

87  Council  Directive  92/43/EEC  of  21  May  1992  on  the  conservation  of  natural  habitats  and  of  wild  fauna  and 

flora http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:31992L0043 

149 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                      
Number of sub-units 

Rivers 

Lakes 

Coastal  Groundwater 

Protected Area type 

areas designated as vulnerable zones 
under Directive 91/676/EEC (Nitrates 
Directive88) and areas designated as 
sensitive areas under Directive 
91/271/EEC (Urban Wastewater 
Treatment Directive89) 

Areas designated for the protection of 
economically significant aquatic 
species 

Other 

Source: Member States reports to WISE 

Overall,  the  status  assessment  for  Protected  Areas  is  considered  to  be  adequate.  However,  a 
substantial  number  of  the  assessments  have  been  made  on  the  basis  of  information  with  low 
associated  confidence,  indicating  a  significant  need  for  additional  monitoring90.  This 
corresponds  with  the  fact  that  no  specific  monitoring  activities  for  the  different  types  of 

Protected Area have been reported. Figure 15.1 shows that quantitative status is the main issue 
associated  with  protected  areas.  For  groundwater,  Protected  Areas  related  to  Drinking  Water 

and Nutrient-sensitive areas have been identified (Table 15.1). 

88  Council  Directive  91/676/EEC  of  12  December  1991  concerning  the  protection  of  waters  against  pollution 

caused by nitrates from agricultural sources: 
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:31991L0676 

  Cyprus  subsequently  clarified  that  the  monitoring  network  in  vulnerable  zones  consists  of  222  monitoring 
stations and highlighted that a major part of the WFD monitoring network is part of the monitoring network 
for nitrate pollution in accordance with the provisions of Directive 91/676 / EEC. 

89  Council  Directive  91/271/EEC  of  21  May  1991  concerning  urban  waste-water  treatment  http://eur-

lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:31991L0271 

  Cyprus subsequently notedthat in sensitive areas controls for the compliance of Urban Waste Water Treatment 
Plants are carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Article 15 of Directive 91/271/EEC. The quality 
monitoring program of urban waste water treatment plant started in 2007. 

90   Cyprus clarified subsequently that the monitoring programmes for protected areas are presented in the RBMP. 
These are in place in accordance to other Directives and their results are reported and/or published as required. 
These monitoring programmes are supplementary to the monitoring programmes under Article 8. Cyprus also 
informed that the data reported on protected areas to WISE will be corrected. 

150 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
                                                      
Figure 15.1  Status of water bodies associated with the Protected Areas report for Cyprus. 

Note: based on status/potential aggregated for all water bodies associated with 
all Protected Areas 

Source: WISE electronic reporting 

The  number  of  Protected  Areas  of  the  different  categories  and  types  has  not  changed 
significantly between the first and second cycle plans, except for Protected Areas related to the 
Nitrates  Directive91  where  the  number  has  increased  from  five  in  the  first  cycle  to  17  in  the 
second cycle. 

No  additional  objectives  have  been  set  for  Protected  Areas,  including  Drinking  Water  and 
Habitat areas where it is thought that good ecological status is sufficient to reach the objectives 

of the Habitats Directive. 

No  monitoring  sites  are  reported  to  be  associated  with  Protected  Areas  in  Cyprus  which 

reiterated the point that a substantial part of the status assessments have been made on the basis 

91  Council  Directive  91/676/EEC  of  12  December  1991  concerning  the  protection  of  waters  against  pollution 
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-
agricultural 

sources 

from 
caused 
content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:31991L0676  

nitrates 

by 

151 

 
 
                                                      
of information of low confidence92, indicating a significant need for additional monitoring. No 
additional  measures  are  reported,  but  as  no  additional  objectives  have  been  set,  additional 
measures  are  not  to  be  expected.  However,  the  assessment  of  the  RBMPs  and  background 

documents did identify the very differentiated regulation of safeguard zones for the protection 
of drinking water from both surface water reservoirs and ground water boreholes. 

15.2. Main changes in implementation and compliance since first cycle 

The  number  of  Protected  Areas  of  the  different  categories  and  types  has  not  changed 
significantly  between  the  two  cycles,  except  for  Protected  Areas  related  to  the  Nitrates 
Directive93  where  the  number  has  increased  from  five  in  the  first  cycle  to  17  in  the  second 
cycle. 

No information about specific monitoring of Protected Areas was reported in the second cycle 
RBMP, compared to a program in the first cycle with monitoring sites for all relevant types of 
Protected Areas94. 

15.3. Progress with Commission recommendations 

There were no Commission recommendations based on the first RBMPs and first Programme 
of Measures for this topic. 

92   Cyprus subsequently referred to comments in Topics 3, 4 5 and 6 where it is clarified that the characterisation 

of the status is considered reliable and comparable to other Member States.    

93   Council  Directive  91/676/EEC  of  12  December  1991  concerning  the  protection  of  waters  against  pollution 
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-
agricultural 

sources 

caused 
from 
content/EN/TXT/?uri=celex:31991L0676  

nitrates 

by 

94   Cyprus informed subsequently that the data reported to WISE on protected areas will be corrected.  

152 

 
 
 
                                                      
Topic 16 Adaptation to drought and climate change 

16.1 Assessment of implementation and compliance with WFD requirements 
in second cycle 

Climate change was considered in the RBMP and it is stated that the guidance on how to adapt 
to climate change (Common Implementation Strategy Guidance Document No. 2495) was used. 
Climate change was considered for drought management and flood management as well as for 

detecting climate signals. However, KTM24 - Adaptation to climate change is not reported to 
have been made operational to address any of the significant pressures96. 

According to the 2012 Topic Report on Water Scarcity and Drought in RBMPs97, droughts and 
water scarcity (abstractions) were not clearly distinguished. No exemptions have been applied 

for Cyprus following Article 4(6) due to prolonged droughts. 

Even though there is no legal obligation to prepare Drought Management Plans, many Member 

States  have  prepared  them  in  order  to  cope  with  droughts.  The  second  RBMP  of  Cyprus 
explicitly refers to and includes the Drought Management Plan of 2011 which was modified in 

2013. The RBMP states that the Drought Management Plan measures are an integral part of the 
RBMP. Certain RBMP measures are reported (and described) which have direct synergies with 

the management of drought events. Additional measures/actions can be found in the Drought 
Management Plan for different drought severity levels e.g. Temporary restrictions to water use 

and  other  uses  (environmental  flows  from  reservoirs  restricted  to  "absolute  minimum"),  and 
increased controls. 

16.2 Main changes in implementation and compliance since first cycle 

In  the  first  RBMP  Climate  change  was  only  mentioned  in  a  very  general  way  on  a  few 
occasions in two of the annexes of the RBMP. In the second RBMP climate change has been 

addressed more widely and a climate proofing of measures has been undertaken.  

16.3 Progress with Commission recommendations 

There were no Commission recommendations based on the first RBMPs and first Programme 
of Measures for this topic. 

95   https://circabc.europa.eu/sd/a/a88369ef-df4d-43b1-8c8c-
306ac7c2d6e1/Guidance%20document%20n%2024%20-
%20River%20Basin%20Management%20in%20a%20Changing%20Climate_FINAL.pdf  

96 Cyprus subsequently clarified that 18 measures out of 55 are strongly related to climate change. Due to some 

misunderstandings, only a limited number of KTM was reported in WISE. 
97 http://ec.europa.eu/environment/water/quantity/pdf/Assessment%20WSD.pdf 

153