Water reservoir levels plummet to 36.8%

Reservoirs across Cyprus have reached critically low levels due to an extended heatwave, with current water storage at just 36.8% of total capacity, according to the Water Development Department. As of July 19, the island's reservoirs contained only 107 million cubic meters of water, down significantly from 176.6 million cubic meters, or 60.7% capacity, at the same time last year.

The most severe decline is seen in the Nicosia region, where reservoir levels have dropped to 29.8% of total capacity from 76.3% a year ago. In the southern conveyor system, which includes Kourris Dam, the largest on the island, levels stand at 33.8% compared to 56.5% last year. The Chrysochou region's reservoirs are at 41.1%, down from 64.6%, and Pafos reservoirs are at 43.5%, down from 69.8%.

The Department's data also reveals that water inflows into the dams since October 1, 2023, have been markedly low, totaling 24.5 million cubic meters—less than half of the 48.7 million cubic meters recorded in the same period last year.

In response to the dire water shortage, the Cypriot government has allocated an additional €58.1 million in its supplementary 2024 budget to purchase water and operate desalination units, aiming to mitigate the impact of the prolonged drought and heatwave on the island’s water resources.

[With information from CNA]