Cyprus is facing a severe water shortage with reservoir levels at a record low. As temperatures rise with the approaching summer, the island is grappling with a critical water crisis. Philippos Tymvios, Director of the Meteorological Department, told Phileleftheros that this year ranks as the 10th driest on record in the last 123 years.
Reservoir Levels Plunge
The lack of rainfall has left many dams below average capacity, with the largest dam, Kouris, holding only 41.9 million cubic meters of water compared to 61 million last year. National water storage currently sits at just 42.1% of capacity, a significant drop from 65.6% last year. The situation is particularly critical at the Argaka (20.2%), Kalavasos (28.6%), and Vyzakia (29.1%) dams.
Kouris, the largest dam in Cyprus, is at a precarious 36.5% capacity, holding only 41.9 million cubic meters of water compared to double that amount (61 million) last year. The overall picture is bleak across regions, with the Southern Pipeline dams, which have a combined capacity of 189.4 million cubic meters, currently at 38.4% capacity, down from 60.7% in 2023.
Regional Impact
The Paphos and Chrysochou dam systems are also significantly below average levels. While a few dams, like Kalopanagiotis, Agia Marina, and Pomos, show higher water levels compared to last year, they are unlikely to provide substantial relief.
With the rainy season over and summer’s heat driving up water demand, the situation is unlikely to improve in the coming months. The lack of rainfall has left many dams below average capacity, with the largest dam, Kouris, holding only 41.9 million cubic meters of water compared to 61 million last year.
The island’s water crisis is a stark reminder of the pressing need for sustainable water management practices and innovative solutions to combat the challenges posed by climate change and dwindling natural resources.
