The Senior Technical Engineer of the Water Development Department (WDD), Marios Hadjicostis, described the inflow of water into Cyprus' dams as tragic, in statements to CNA, noting that from October 1st until today the total flow amounts to only 1,7 million cubic meters, a quantity which is considered insignificant.
As Mr. Hadjicostis mentioned, the fullness of the dams continues to decrease, as water consumption remains greater than the inflow, resulting in further depletion of reserves.
"In order to record a substantial improvement in the situation, the average inflow would have to range between 10 and 12 million cubic meters," he added.
According to WDD data, the average flow for the months of October, November and December of the last 30–35 years amounts to 13 million cubic meters, which demonstrates the serious lag this year.
Referring to rainfall, Mr. Hadjicostis noted that the highest percentages were recorded this year in the coastal area of Polis Chrysochous (170% of normal), as well as in Nicosia and Athienou (140%), and in Frenaros (115%). However, as he emphasized, there are no dams in these areas, as a result of which the increased rainfall does not translate into water storage.
To reverse the picture, he emphasized that "multi-day, multi-hour and torrential rains, in the appropriate place, are required."
"We need barometric systems that provide significant amounts of rain, not in coastal areas as has happened recently, but in the mountains and in the catchment areas of large dams," he said, adding that the goal is to cover at least next year's demand, and ideally to have storage for the next two years.
In response to a question about the drought, Mr. Hadjicostis noted that this is a recurring phenomenon, with periods of drought that usually last up to three consecutive years. This year, he said, is the fourth in a row, expressing the hope that it will eventually turn into a good, rainy year, so that sufficient quantities of water can be stored and the needs of all consumers, especially farmers who in recent years have been deprived of the necessary water for their plantations, can be met.
In conclusion, he called on the public to use water in moderation, regardless of weather conditions, emphasizing that saving should become a daily habit. “The droughts in Cyprus will not stop and with climate change things are getting worse,” he said, underlining the need for continuous and responsible management of this precious resource.
