Water Tank and Booster Pump: Home Water in Cyprus
Short answer: A water tank and booster pump is a system used in many homes in Northern Cyprus (TRNC) to store mains water and distribute it inside the home at sufficient pressure: the tank provides water during outages, while the booster pump maintains pressure at the taps. In a properly installed system, the tank should be closed, clean and shaded, the booster pump should be protected against dry running, and the tank should be checked and cleaned at least once a year. According to the World Health Organization, because Legionella bacteria multiply in water between 20–50 °C, preventing a cold water tank from heating up in the sun is also important for hygiene.
This article has been prepared for homeowners who are buying a home in the TRNC, want to understand the tank and pump system on handover day, or are considering renewing their existing system. We explained how to open a water subscription and its costs in our article on TRNC electricity and water subscription costs; here, we focus on the water technologies inside the home.
How does a water tank and booster pump system work?
Water from the mains first fills the tank through a float valve. When the tank is full, the float closes the inlet. The booster pump draws water from the tank and pushes it into the home’s plumbing with the help of a pressure tank. When a tap is opened, the pressure drops and the pump starts; when the tap is closed, the pressure rises and the pump stops. In homes using solar water heaters, cold water also feeds the water heater tank through the same line.
There are two reasons why this setup is common in the TRNC: occasional interruptions in the mains supply and, especially in summer, lower mains pressure in some areas. The tank allows the home to continue using water for a while during an outage; the booster pump maintains sufficient flow on upper floors and in showers, independently of mains pressure.
- Individual system: In villas and some apartments, each residence has its own tank and pump.
- Central system: In residential complexes, a shared tank and pump group may supply all blocks; maintenance is usually the responsibility of the site management.
- Mixed system: Intermediate solutions such as a shared tank with a separate pump in each block are also seen.
Choosing a tank: volume, material and location
When choosing tank volume, a balance must be found between two goals: having enough water during outages and preventing water from sitting in the tank for too long and becoming stale. The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends, for Legionella control, keeping the volume held in a cold water tank to a minimum, approximately enough for one day’s use. In the TRNC, if larger tanks are preferred due to the risk of outages, it becomes even more important that the water is regularly used and refreshed, and that the tank is kept cool.
Example: If a household of four is assumed to use 150 litres per person per day, daily demand is approximately 600 litres. For a one-day reserve, a 1-ton tank, and for a two-day reserve, a tank of approximately 1.2–1.5 tons is a reasonable range. Garden irrigation and the pool are not included in this calculation. The usage assumption is an example; calculate your own consumption from your water bill.
| Tank material | Advantages | Points to note |
|---|---|---|
| Polyethylene (plastic) | Lightweight, rustproof, affordable, easy to transport | Should be food-grade, lightproof (opaque) and UV-resistant |
| Stainless steel | Long-lasting, hygienic surface, durable | More expensive; may heat up in the sun, requires shading or insulation |
| Reinforced concrete (basement or buried) | Large volume, stays cool | Internal surface coating, watertightness and cleaning access are critical |
Location is as important as material. A tank on the roof exposed to direct sun heats up in summer; this both reduces quality for drinking use and approaches the temperature range suitable for bacterial growth. The World Health Organization recommends keeping cold water below 25 °C, ideally below 20 °C. Although achieving this fully in a Cyprus summer is difficult, placing the tank in the shade, protecting it with an insulated cover, or locating it in a cool space such as a basement reduces the difference.
Choosing a booster pump: fixed-speed or variable-speed?
Booster pumps are basically of two types. Fixed-speed pumps operate at full power when pressure drops and stop when pressure reaches a certain value; this can cause fluctuations in shower water pressure and frequent switching on and off. Pumps with frequency converters (variable-speed) adjust motor speed according to demand; pressure remains more stable, operation is quieter and electricity consumption generally decreases.
- Dry-running protection: There must be protection that prevents the pump from running without water and burning out when the tank is empty.
- Pressure tank: The tank’s pre-charge pressure should be checked once a year; low pressure causes the pump to operate too frequently.
- Location and noise: The pump should not be adjacent to a bedroom wall, should be placed on anti-vibration pads and should be protected from rain.
- Electricity: There should be a separate fuse and residual current protection; remember that the pump will also stop during power outages.
The last point is important: when the electricity is cut, the booster pump also stops, and even if there is water in the tank, pressure will not reach the upper floors. Asking before purchase whether the central generator in the complex supplies the water pumps prevents surprises on outage days.
When selecting pump capacity in villas, the number of taps and showers that may operate at the same time, garden irrigation and, if present, pool filling should be considered together. A pump that is too small cannot maintain pressure during busy hours; a pump that is too large strains the plumbing and wastes unnecessary energy.
Filters and purification: what does each device do?
The quality and drinkability of mains water may vary by region and municipality. Before buying a purification device, you need to know what your water requires; if possible, request water analysis results from the municipality or have an analysis carried out by an independent laboratory.
- Sediment filter: Installed at the tank inlet or booster pump outlet; it captures sand, rust and particles, protecting taps, cisterns and the water heater.
- Activated carbon filter: Reduces chlorine taste and odour; it is a common solution for the kitchen tap.
- Reverse osmosis (RO) device: Passes water through a very fine membrane to separate most dissolved substances; used for drinking and cooking water. It produces wastewater and also reduces minerals; its filters must be changed regularly.
- Limescale prevention: In hard-water areas, anti-limescale systems can be considered to protect the water heater and washing machine.
In new projects, it is necessary to clarify what the expression “purification system” covers. For example, a purification system is listed among the official general features of Akol Global’s Dolce Mare Resort project; whether this is drinking water purification or wastewater treatment, and which areas it serves, should be asked separately during the sales meeting.
Tank hygiene and maintenance schedule
If the water tank and booster pump system is forgotten after installation, the most common problems are sediment build-up, insects and dust entering a tank with an open cover, limescale in the water heater and a pump that operates frequently. According to HSE guidance, cold water tanks should have a tight-fitting cover and vent against external contamination, tanks should be kept free of sediment, limescale and rust, and their cleanliness should be checked at least once a year.
| When? | What to do |
|---|---|
| Every month | Check that the tank cover is closed and whether the pump is switching on frequently |
| Every 3–6 months | Clean or replace the sediment filter, check the float valve |
| Once a year | Empty the tank and have the inner surface cleaned, have the pressure tank pre-charge pressure measured |
| After being empty for a long time | Run the taps for a few minutes; renew the tank water if necessary |
In residential complexes, maintenance of central tanks and pumps is usually covered by the service charge; you can request in writing from the management which maintenance is carried out and how often. Details are in our article on TRNC service charges and site expenses. In villas, collecting rainwater for garden irrigation also reduces the load on the mains water tank; we covered this topic in our villa garden and rainwater management guide.
On handover day, remember to see that the tank and booster pump are working, that the cover is closed, and to ask about the system’s warranty coverage. All handover steps are in our new home handover checklist, and warranty periods are in our article on after-sales service and warranty.
Frequently asked questions
How many tons should a home water tank be?
It depends on household size and outage frequency. Assuming 150 litres per person per day, a household of four uses approximately 600 litres per day; for a one-day reserve, 1 ton, and for a two-day reserve, 1.2–1.5 tons is a reasonable range. Also take into account that, for hygiene, water should not sit in the tank for too long.
Why does the booster pump operate frequently?
The most common reasons are a drop in the pre-charge pressure in the pressure tank, a hidden water leak in the plumbing or cistern, and a faulty check valve. If the pump switches on at short intervals when the taps are closed, first check the cisterns and visible connections, then have a technician measure the pressure tank.
How often should a water tank be cleaned?
Tank cleaning should be checked at least once a year and carried out if necessary. The UK Health and Safety Executive recommends that cold water tanks be kept free of sediment, limescale and rust, and protected with a tight-fitting cover. In homes that have been closed for a long time, refreshing the tank water on return is also useful.
Is it a problem if the water tank on the roof heats up in the sun?
It can be. A tank heated by the sun both reduces water quality and approaches the temperature range in which bacteria can multiply. The World Health Organization recommends keeping cold water below 25 °C, ideally below 20 °C. Shading the tank, choosing a lightproof and insulated model, or moving it to a cool space reduces the risk.
Is a home water purification device necessary?
It depends on the condition of your water. First obtain a water analysis from the municipality or an independent laboratory. A sediment filter for particle problems, activated carbon for chlorine taste, and a reverse osmosis device for drinking water can be considered. Following the filter replacement schedule of each device prevents an unmaintained purification device from causing problems.
If you would like to clarify the water infrastructure and maintenance responsibilities of a home you are considering buying, you can contact the Akol Global team.
This article is for informational purposes only; it does not replace legal, tax or financial advice. Last updated: October 2026.