Is Cyprus Tap Water Safe to Drink? Key Findings & Recommendations

Tap water in Cyprus, meets European Union drinking water quality standards, making it legally safe for consumption. However, despite compliance with these regulations, several factors suggest that tap water is not the best choice for drinking without additional filtration.

High Hardness Levels
The total dissolved solids (TDS) in Limassol’s tap water exceed 400 mg/L, indicating high levels of calcium, magnesium, and other minerals. This results in very hard water, which can cause:

• Limescale buildup in household appliances (kettles, coffee machines, pipes).
• Dry skin and brittle hair after prolonged exposure.
• Reduced effectiveness of soap and detergents, leaving residue on dishes and laundry.

Chlorine & Its Byproducts

• Chlorine is used for disinfection, but its byproducts (trihalomethanes, chloramines) may have potential health risks with long-term consumption.
• While chlorine kills harmful bacteria, it also affects taste and odor, making tap water unpleasant to drink.

Nitrate & Nitrite Presence

• Agricultural runoff contributes to elevated nitrate levels in some areas of Cyprus.
• While within legal limits, continuous exposure to nitrates in drinking water may pose health risks, especially for infants and pregnant women.

Given these factors, it is recommended to use a water filtration system to improve tap water quality before drinking it. The most effective solutions include:

• Reverse Osmosis Systems – Remove up to 99% of contaminants, including chlorine, nitrates, heavy metals, and excess minerals, providing clean, safe water.
• Carbon Filtration – Helps eliminate chlorine, taste, and odor issues, improving overall drinking water quality.
• Water Softeners – Reduce hardness, preventing limescale buildup and improving skin and hair health.

For a detailed water quality report on Cyprus, including official lab results, visit the full article:
👉 Full Water Analysis on Filter.cy