Dam levels have reached 35.1% following recent rainfall, bringing water reserves to 101.9 million cubic metres, according to the Water Development Department (WDD).
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), WDD Executive Engineer Alexios Frangeskou said the latest inflows were encouraging for this time of year but were not enough to significantly change the island’s overall water balance.
The current figures represent a considerable improvement on last year, when reservoirs held just 31.3 million cubic metres, corresponding to 10.7% capacity.
Kouris and Arminou record highest inflows
Around 220,000 cubic metres of water flowed into Cyprus’ dams on Thursday, Frangeskou said.
The largest inflows were recorded at Kouris dam, which received 64,000 cubic metres, and Arminou dam, which received another 54,000 cubic metres.
The remaining water was distributed mainly among reservoirs connected to the Southern Conveyor Project, particularly in the Limassol and Larnaca districts. Positive inflows were also recorded at Asprokremmos and Evretou dams.
Frangeskou said the early return of water flows to rivers was particularly encouraging at this stage of the hydrological year.
He expressed optimism that continued rainfall, followed by heavier winter showers, would lead to further inflows into reservoirs.
Last year, however, water began entering dams much later because their catchment areas had almost completely dried out.
Water reserves remain far from safe levels
Despite the improvement, Frangeskou warned against complacency, stressing that reservoirs remain only around one-third full.
He described the current situation as considerably better than last year’s but said the available water reserves could not yet be considered secure.
“These are fairly good inflows for this time of year, but they are not inflows that will dramatically change the water balance,” he said.
He added that the department’s planned projects were continuing at full pace. Rainfall during last spring had provided some additional time to advance the work with less pressure, he explained.
Episkopi mobile desalination unit expected to begin operating
Among the projects being advanced by the Water Development Department is the mobile desalination unit at Episkopi, which is expected to become operational in the coming period.
Frangeskou also said that tenders for several important projects would be announced soon.
He expressed confidence that the department’s planned projects would be completed within the established timeframes.
Also read: Climate change and urbanisation increase flood risk in Cyprus
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