The capacity of Cyprus' reservoirs has risen to 35.1% following recent rainfall, according to Alexios Fragkeskou, Executive Engineer at the Water Development Department (WDD), who described the inflows as encouraging for this stage of the hydrological year.
Fragkeskou said stored water now stands at 101.9 million cubic metres, compared with 31.3 million cubic metres and a reservoir occupancy rate of 10.7% at the same time last year.
Strong inflows recorded
Approximately 220,000 cubic metres of water flowed into reservoirs on Thursday alone.
The largest volumes were recorded at:
- Kouris Dam: 64,000 cubic metres
- Arminou Dam: 54,000 cubic metres
The remaining inflows were distributed mainly among reservoirs connected to the Southern Conveyor Project, particularly in the districts of Limassol and Larnaca.
Fragkeskou added that significant inflows were also recorded at Asprokremmos Dam and Evretou Dam.
Rivers flowing earlier than usual
"It is extremely positive that we are seeing water flowing in our rivers so early in the hydrological year," Fragkeskou told CNA.
He said the early runoff provides grounds for optimism that, if rainfall continues and substantial winter storms arrive, reservoir inflows could increase significantly in the coming months.
By contrast, he noted that inflows last year were delayed because many reservoir catchment areas had almost completely dried out.
Positive picture, but no room for complacency
Despite the improved figures, Fragkeskou warned that the recent rainfall does not dramatically alter Cyprus' overall water balance.
"For this time of year, these are quite good inflows, but they are not the kind of inflows that will dramatically change the water situation," he said.
While describing conditions as considerably better than last year, he stressed that reservoirs remain only about one-third full.
"We cannot consider reservoir water levels secure," he added.
"There can be absolutely no complacency. Our planning continues at full pace."
Desalination projects moving ahead
Fragkeskou said work on water infrastructure projects remains on schedule despite the improved reservoir situation.
He noted that the mobile desalination unit at Episkopi is expected to begin operating in the near future, while tenders for several major projects are due to be launched soon.
He also expressed confidence that the projects planned by the Water Development Department will be completed within the timelines set by the authorities.
Source: CNA
