Water Supply and Drains

The Ottoman Arab Ahmed and Silihtar water systems formed the basis of Nicosia’s water supply through the British period, coming under the responsibility of the municipality until the Water Board was established in 1951. Early replacement of open drains by iron pipes (1879) and methodic disposal of refuse rapidly improved sanitary conditions within the city. Mule-drawn water carriers could still be seen selling fresh water in earthenware jars in the 1930s.