Senior Technical Engineer of the Water Development Department (WDD), Marios Hadjicostis, described the inflow of water into Cyprus’ dams as tragic, noting that from October 1st until today the total inflow amounts to only 1.7 million cubic meters, a quantity which is considered insignificant.
Hadjicostis told CNA that the fullness of the dams continues to decrease, as water consumption remains greater than the inflow, resulting in further depletion of water reserves.
‘In order to record a substantial improvement, the average inflow would have to range between 10 and 12 million cubic meters,’ he pointed out.
According to WDD data, the average inflow for the months of October, November and December over the last 30-35 years amounts to 13 million cubic meters, which demonstrates the serious shortfall this year.
Referring to rainfall, he noted that the highest rates 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, he said, there are no dams in these areas, and as a result the increased rainfall does not translate into water storage.
Torrential rains “for many days, many hours in the right place”, are required to reverse things, he stressed, noting that we need barometric systems that provide significant amounts of rain, not in coastal areas -as was the case recently- but in the mountains and large dams.
The goal, he went on to say, is to cover at least next year’s demand, and ideally to have storage for the next two years.
Asked about the problem of drought, he 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 consecutive one, expressing 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 can be met. He stressed that especially farmers have been in recent years deprived of the necessary water for their plantations.
Moreover, he called on the public to use water in moderation, regardless of weather conditions, saying that saving water must become a daily habit.
‘Droughts in Cyprus will not stop and with climate change things are getting worse,’ he said, and pointed out the need for continuous and responsible management of this valuable resource.