Water Levels in Cyprus Dams Are Half of Last Year’s

The Cyprus Water Resources Department has reported that the island’s dams are filled to only 36.8% of their capacity. This is due to the hot summer and slow water inflow during the dry winter.

According to the department, on July 19, the total water reserves amounted to 107 million cubic meters, compared to 176.6 million cubic meters for the same period last year, when dams were at 60.7% capacity.

The lowest levels were recorded in Nicosia, where dams are filled to just 29.8%, down from 76.3% last year. Dams on the southern conveyor, including the island’s largest dam, Kouris, are at 33.8%, compared to 56.5% last year.

In the Polis Chrysochous region, the total capacity of the four dams is 41.1%, down from 64.6% last year. In Paphos, dams are now at 43.5%, compared to 69.8% last year.

The Water Resources Department noted that water inflow into the dams from October 1 to July 19 reached 24.5 million cubic meters, compared to 48.77 million cubic meters for the entire last year from October 1 to September 30.

Due to the water shortage, the government has allocated 58.1 million euros for the operation of desalination plants. It was previously reported that Cyprus is experiencing its "10th worst year for rainfall since 1900." Authorities are seeking solutions to the water shortage, including stricter fines for non-essential water use, expanding water purification systems, and providing subsidies.