Quality of Tap Water in Limassol

In this article, we examine the water quality in Limassol, focusing on several key parameters:

• Total mineralization
• Water hardness
• pH level
• Chlorine concentration
• Nitrate and nitrite levels

We'll analyze how these factors impact residents' daily lives, health, and household appliances. By comparing bottled water with tap water before and after reverse osmosis filtration, we'll evaluate the effectiveness of this purification method and suggest potential ways to improve drinking water quality.

Currently, the estimated total mineralization of tap water in Limassol is 426 mg/liter. This indicates a moderately high level of dissolved salts, including calcium and magnesium, which makes the water hard and prone to scaling. Residents using such water may face issues related to limescale buildup in household appliances, as well as potential negative effects on skin and hair. However, after reverse osmosis treatment, total mineralization drops to 28 mg/liter. This process significantly purifies the water, almost entirely removing dissolved salts, including calcium and magnesium.

Magnesium levels in water before filtration are 35 mg/liter. Like calcium, magnesium is a key component of water hardness. High magnesium concentration in water promotes mineral deposits on the internal surfaces of household appliances, such as kettles and washing machines. After filtration, magnesium concentration drops to 3 mg/liter, which significantly softens the water and reduces risks associated with scaling.
For a more comprehensive understanding, we compared these data with the composition of popular bottled water in Cyprus, which many residents use daily. According to the label information from one of the leading manufacturers, the calcium level in such water is 45 mg/liter, and magnesium is 30 mg/liter. This shows that bottled water, despite its popularity, contains relatively high concentrations of these minerals, which also leads to scaling when boiling and gives water a specific taste.

In Limassol, the pH level of tap water is 7.9, indicating a slightly alkaline environment. After filtration, the pH level drops to 7.7, remaining within the alkaline range. These pH values are considered safe for drinking and normal for drinking water. Slightly alkaline water may be less corrosive to plumbing and equipment, reducing the risk of damage to plumbing and household appliances. Additionally, such pH values ensure comfortable water perception when drinking, without causing irritation to the skin and mucous membranes. Overall, the pH level of water in Limassol is within optimal ranges both before and after filtration, indicating good water quality for everyday use.

Let's now discuss the nitrate and nitrite concentration in Limassol's tap water. Nitrates and nitrites are chemical compounds that can be present in tap water and pose a potential health hazard if certain levels are exceeded.
According to laboratory analysis, nitrate levels in Limassol's tap water are 3 mg/liter, significantly below the European Union's permissible standard of 25 mg/liter. After filtration, this value is reduced by more than three times, reaching 0.8 mg/liter. As for nitrites, their concentration in tap water is 0.04 mg/liter, and after filtration, it decreases fourfold, almost completely purifying the water from their presence.

Water with a high chloride concentration, exceeding permissible values, can negatively affect human health. Excessive chlorides irritate the mucous membranes, eyes, skin, and respiratory tract. Prolonged consumption of water with high chloride content can lead to disruptions in water-salt balance, digestive issues, and edema.

Now, let’s return to the issue of the negative impact of mineral-free water on the human body.
Consuming water with low calcium and magnesium content (e.g., distilled water or water that has undergone excessive purification, such as reverse osmosis without additional remineralization) in large quantities can potentially have negative consequences for the body, but this requires a significant amount of time and poor diet. However, it’s important to understand that water itself is not the primary source of calcium and magnesium for the body. The main minerals the body receives come from food.
Risks:

• Mineral Imbalance: If a person drinks exclusively low-calcium and magnesium water without getting enough of these minerals from food, a mineral imbalance may occur. This can lead to calcium and magnesium deficiency in the body, negatively affecting bones, the cardiovascular system, and muscle function.
• Bone Issues: Calcium and magnesium play a key role in maintaining bone density. Their deficiency can contribute to the development of osteoporosis, especially if low levels of these minerals are maintained over a long period.
• Mineral Depletion: Water with very low mineralization may have a higher dissolving effect and, theoretically, with prolonged consumption, may contribute to the leaching of minerals from the body. However, to "leach" calcium and magnesium from bones would require large volumes of water and insufficient intake of these minerals from food over a long period.

What Amount of Water Could Be Harmful? It’s difficult to determine the exact amount of low-mineral water that could cause negative consequences, as it depends on individual characteristics, diet, and physical activity levels. However, most studies indicate that normal water consumption (about 2−3 liters per day) with low calcium and magnesium content, given a balanced diet, will not cause a deficiency of these minerals.
In critical situations, prolonged consumption of exclusively demineralized water in large quantities (e.g., more than 5 liters per day) combined with insufficient calcium and magnesium intake from food over an extended period (months or years) could lead to negative consequences. However, under normal conditions, this is unlikely.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes reverse osmosis as one of the effective water purification methods, particularly for removing contaminants such as heavy metals, viruses, bacteria, and dissolved salts. WHO confirms that reverse osmosis systems effectively remove harmful substances from water, making it safe for consumption.

Ultimately, the choice between drinking untreated tap water, buying bottled water, or installing a reverse osmosis filter depends on your individual preferences, health status, and budget. You can consider your needs to choose the most suitable option for providing yourself and your family with high-quality drinking water.