There has been a significant improvement in reservoir levels, with water reserves now at higher levels than during the same period last year. However, the relevant authorities remain vigilant, as rainfall, desalination, and water resource management continue to be key factors in ensuring water sufficiency.
Current reservoir levels
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Speaking to Alphanews.live, TAY Senior Executive Officer Gianna Economidou stated that the overall reservoir levels today stand at approximately 36%, compared to just about 13% during the same period last year. As she notes, this is a very significant improvement, which clearly provides greater room for maneuver compared to last year. However, he emphasizes that “we must be careful in interpreting this picture. The fact that reserves have increased significantly does not mean that the water shortage problem has been resolved.The reservoirs remain well below their total capacity, and management must be carried out with a view not only to the coming months but also to the coming years.”
The Role of Rainfall in Recent Months
According to Ms. Oikonomidou, the rainfall in recent months has been beneficial, as inflows were recorded even during the summer, which is unusual for Cyprus. These additional amounts improved the water balance and provided greater flexibility in management. For this reason, he continued, it became possible to decide to allocate additional water to agriculture.
“We must keep in mind that a good rainy season does not undo the effects of previous dry years. The rains have given us some much-needed breathing room and better room for maneuver, but they’re no reason to let our guard down.”
Water Availability in the Coming Months
Based on current data, he stated, there are clearly better management prospects for the coming months than we had a year ago. However, as he explained, management cannot be based solely on the current status of the dams. Planning also takes into account the needs of the coming years. How the situation develops, he noted, will depend primarily on rainfall and inflows during the new hydrological period, consumption trends, the operation and further expansion of desalination plants, and the reduction of network losses.
“We continue to plan carefully to ensure water sufficiency not only for the coming months but also for the coming years.”
Desalination
Desalination plants are now a key pillar of the country’s water security. Ms. Oikonomidou noted that as of 2023, the practice of operating desalination plants on a standby basis had been discontinued, and “we have moved to fully utilizing their available capacity.” At the same time, she added that, due to the prolonged drought, desalination plants were installed to more immediately bolster the water balance. So far, mobile units are operating in Moni, Kissonerga, Limassol Port, and Garylli, while work is underway in Episkopi and, at the same time, units are being installed in Vasilikos and Mazotos. The Council of Ministers recently approved three new permanent units in Dekelia, Agia Thekla, and Polis Chrysochous. Together with the new permanent facility in East Limassol, the four new facilities will add a total projected capacity of 180,000 cubic meters of water per day. He emphasized, among other things, that the mobile units serve as a rapid and supplementary solution until the larger, permanent infrastructure projects are completed.
“The goal is clear: to create a more resilient water system and gradually reduce our water supply’s dependence on rainfall and dams. The more water needs are met by stable sources, the less pressure there is on our natural reserves, and the more room there is for better management—including for agriculture.”
