**After Heavy Rain, Reservoirs Now at 40 Percent Capacity**
In a recent report from the Water Development Department (WDD), it was revealed that Cyprus' reservoirs have seen a significant influx of water following heavy rainfall. Over a 24-hour period, approximately 140,000 cubic meters of water were collected across the island, with the Kouris reservoir receiving the bulk of this amount—around 118,000 cubic meters.
Alexios Frangeskos, an executive engineer at the WDD, spoke to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA) about the implications of this rainfall. While he acknowledged that the recent rains would be beneficial for agricultural irrigation, he emphasized that they would not significantly alter the overall water planning strategies of the department. Frangeskos noted that the current water storage in the reservoirs stands at 120 million cubic meters, which accounts for about 40 percent of their total capacity. He pointed out that this level of inflow is still below the record highs experienced in 2019.
Frangeskos further explained that while the rains may have provided some temporary relief for farmers—who typically require watering two to three times a week—this does not change the long-term outlook for water resources in Cyprus. He stated, “They [the rains] don’t affect the overall picture at all,” reflecting a cautious approach to the water management situation on the island.
Despite the recent rainfall, the WDD continues to monitor water supply needs closely. The department estimates that daily water requirements for the cities across Cyprus range between 300,000 and 350,000 cubic meters. Currently, more than 75 percent of this demand is met through desalination processes, highlighting the ongoing reliance on alternative water sources.
When questioned about the potential for increasing water availability from the southern pipeline for the upcoming potato planting season, Frangeskos indicated that there is no extra capacity for irrigation at this time. He explained that the WDD has shifted its assessment strategy, now looking at water availability over a three-year period rather than on an annual basis. This long-term perspective is intended to provide a more comprehensive understanding of water sufficiency. “Based on the conservative scenarios we are examining, we do not have the sufficiency that would make us feel secure enough to be able to make additional quantities available,” he remarked.
Frangeskos also highlighted the significant role of recycled water in irrigation practices, particularly in the Limassol district, where it is increasingly utilized. He mentioned that as more areas are integrated into sewage systems, the volume of urban wastewater is expected to rise, thereby increasing the availability of recycled water for agricultural use. Furthermore, he pointed out that planned projects in the coming years aim to extend the availability of recycled water to new regions, with the Anthoupolis area in eastern Nicosia being a recent example of such initiatives.
In conclusion, while the recent rains have provided a temporary boost to Cyprus' reservoir levels, the Water Development Department remains vigilant and cautious about the long-term water supply situation. With ongoing reliance on desalination and the strategic use of recycled water, authorities are preparing for the challenges that lie ahead in managing the island's water resources effectively.