Water inflow into Cyprus reservoirs at “tragic” level — department

Water inflow into reservoirs in Cyprus has been at a “tragic” level since October, and supplies continue to decrease, said Chief Technical Engineer of the Water Development Department, Marios Hadjikostis, on Monday.

According to him, the total inflow since October 1 amounted to only 1.7 million cubic meters, which he described as insignificant. The volume of reserves is decreasing because water consumption exceeds inflow.

To significantly improve the situation, Hadjikostis estimates that the average inflow should be between 10 and 12 million cubic meters. According to the Department, the average inflow for October, November, and December over the past 30–35 years is 13 million cubic meters, highlighting a serious deficit this year.

The highest level of rainfall was recorded in the coastal Polis-Chrysochous area — 170% of the norm; in Nicosia and Afienou — 140%, in Frenaros — 115%. However, there are no dams in these areas, and the increased rainfall did not lead to water accumulation in reservoirs.

Hadjikostis emphasized that replenishing reserves requires several days of heavy rain in the mountainous regions and catchment basins of large reservoirs, and also urged the public to use water sparingly. He noted that droughts in Cyprus recur and, under current climatic conditions, require constant and responsible water management. (information CNA)