The USAID-funded Supporting Activities that Value the Environment (SAVE) program organized a seminar on iron bacteria on December 14, 2007. Over twenty-five professionals, engineers, technicians and experts from different disciplines participated in the seminar where SAVE’s hydrology expert Phil Brown, discussed the differences between iron Bacteria and algae. He explained that iron bacteria is often the cause of contamination in wells and is often mis-identified as algae. Mr. Brown emphasized that while it is impossible to prevent iron bacteria in all cases, there are methods that have been developed to lessen its impact on water supplies and infrastructure. 

The SAVE seminar outlined the latest methods used in the United States and elsewhere to test for iron bacteria, prevent its intrusion into wells and reduce its harmful effects. Treatment techniques such as physical removal, pasteurization and chemical treatment were described. During the seminar, participants discussed how these methods might be applied in Cyprus where several wells thought to be contaminated by algae may in fact be facing iron bacteria problems instead.

The session was part of SAVE’s overall work to build local capacity to better protect and manage Cyprus’ valuable natural and cultural resources. SAVE combines work on environmental protection, especially water management, with cultural heritage conservation, preservation, and restoration. Like all U.S.-funded programs in Cyprus, SAVE is aimed at facilitating reunification of the island, including through encouraging responsible economic development and sound environmental management.