Strong March brings temporary relief
Cyprus dam inflows reached their highest level for March in a decade, with 35 million cubic metres (MCM) of water entering reservoirs last month. Despite the boost, authorities urge caution as overall reserves remain low.
According to the Water Development Department (WDD), total dam reserves currently stand at 31.5%, equivalent to 92 MCM. Reservoirs supplying the Southern Conveyor Project are at 26.4%, holding around 50 MCM.
Officials warn against complacency
WDD Director Iliana Tofa described the March inflows as “impressive” but warned against over-optimism.
“March gave us in one go the water we had been waiting for all quarter,” she said, noting that while the 35 MCM inflow marks the best performance in ten years, storage levels remain relatively low.
She stressed that last year’s drought conditions continue to weigh on reserves and warned that climate change is intensifying pressure on water resources. “We must not get carried away,” she said, adding that authorities are not easing efforts.
Focus on infrastructure upgrades
The WDD now prioritises projects aimed at reducing water losses, particularly within District Local Government Organisation (EOA) networks, where infrastructure remains outdated.
Tofa said long-delayed works have finally begun and will continue despite the time required for completion. She emphasised that authorities now focus on long-term, sustainable water management solutions.
“In the past, some projects moved forward too quickly, but we now rely on proper planning to avoid future cancellations,” she said.
Ongoing challenges for water management
Despite the strong March inflows, Cyprus remains a semi-arid country where careful water management is essential. Authorities stress the need for continued vigilance and sustainable practices to secure future supply.
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