**Paphos Assured Over Summer Water Supply**
Paphos, Cyprus – The Paphos district governor, Charalambos Pittokopitis, expressed optimism on Thursday regarding the water supply for the upcoming summer months. This assurance follows the Council of Ministers' recent decision to allocate additional water resources specifically for irrigation purposes within the district.
Governor Pittokopitis highlighted that the allocation of an additional 3.5 million cubic meters of water, with 2 million cubic meters designated for the broader Paphos region, would help mitigate the risk of water supply cuts during the summer season. “As the Paphos district local government organisation (EOA), we continue our close communication and cooperation with the Water Development Department (WDD) to ensure the best possible management of the district’s water reserves,” he stated.
The governor noted that conditions regarding water availability have significantly improved in recent months. However, he emphasized the importance of treating water as a “limited and precious resource.” He urged residents to practice conservation and avoid unnecessary consumption, especially during the hotter months when demand typically rises.
In addition to managing water allocation, Pittokopitis mentioned that the EOA has initiated efforts to replace and repair aging pipelines within the district. This proactive measure aims to reduce water losses that occur due to outdated infrastructure. Such improvements are part of a broader strategy to enhance the efficiency of water distribution in the region.
Looking ahead, Pittokopitis expressed hope that the Ministry of Agriculture and the WDD would expedite upgrades to the existing desalination plant located in Kouklia. He also mentioned the potential installation of a new desalination unit in Chrysochou Bay, which could further bolster the district's water supply capabilities.
The current state of water levels in Cypriot dams is encouraging, with storage levels reported at 42.4 percent. This figure is nearly double the 21.6 percent recorded at the same time last year, indicating a significant improvement in water reserves. Recent government data shows that the highest storage levels are found in reservoirs within the Nicosia district.
Moreover, the weather conditions leading up to the summer have been favorable. Average rainfall for May reached 46.7 millimeters, which is equivalent to 238 percent of the normal amount for the month. This surplus rainfall has been beneficial, exceeding the monthly average at all measuring stations and reaching almost four times the norm in some areas.
As the summer approaches, the Paphos district remains focused on ensuring a stable water supply for both residents and agricultural needs, while also promoting water conservation practices among the community.