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Authorities are racing to address a significant water leak at the Mavrokolympos dam in Paphos, where stopping the issue appears increasingly challenging. Current estimates suggest that around 250,000 cubic meters of water have already been lost from the dam, which is currently at 64.1% capacity (1.4 million cubic meters). Resolving the issue might require fully draining the reservoir—a drastic measure that would waste the remaining water.
Challenges in Repairing the Leak
According to Kathimerini's Pavlos Neophytou, the source of the leak, believed to be located 15 meters deep in the water discharge tower, was detected on Sunday afternoon by an employee of the Water Development Department. Preliminary investigations suggest that a ventilation pipe in the discharge tunnel may have failed. Officials have stated that repairing the damage while the dam is still full is highly dangerous for technicians, as the location is not easily accessible.
Deputy director of the Water Development Department, George Kazantzis, explained that efforts are underway to explore alternatives that might stop the leak before the dam is emptied. However, the depth and complexity of the issue make these solutions uncertain.
On-Site Inspections and Government Response
The problem has prompted immediate action, with Agriculture Minister Maria Panagiotou visiting the site on Monday morning. Specialized underwater cameras have been deployed to pinpoint the exact cause of the problem. While officials have assured the public that the dam’s structural integrity is not compromised, the primary concern is the significant water loss required to make repairs.
Inspection Practices Under Scrutiny
The incident has sparked questions about the frequency and thoroughness of dam inspections. Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture Chairman Giannakis Gavriel pointed out that since legislation was updated in 2020 to ensure regular inspections, there are concerns about whether these checks were carried out adequately. He noted that lapses in monitoring might have contributed to the current issue.
In response, Kazantzis clarified that each dam has an assigned supervising engineer who inspects it weekly. However, the apparent oversight in this case raises further concerns about whether the current system is sufficient.
About the Mavrokolympos Dam
The Mavrokolympos dam, located in Pegeia, is designed to support irrigation in Paphos' western lowlands. It has a total capacity of 2.18 million cubic meters and collects water from the Mavrokolympo River, which originates from the mountains near the communities of Tsada and Stroumpi.
What’s Next?
Officials are urgently exploring all options to stop the leak without draining the dam. However, if immediate solutions cannot be implemented, the remaining 1.4 million cubic meters of water may be lost to enable safe repairs. The situation remains fluid, with authorities working to minimize both water loss and risks to personnel.
