The situation with Cyprus’s water reserves is still not great. Recent rainfall added only 400,000 cubic meters to the dams. That’s about 1% of what we need, says Marios Hatzikostis, chief technical engineer of the Water Development Department.
He pointed out that January, usually the best month for rain, is ending without good results. The total dam capacity is just 11%. Last year, when it was at 26%, it was tough to supply water to farmers.
Mr. Hatzikostis noted that the rainfall in Cyprus can’t compare to heavy rain in other countries. For example, Attica in Greece saw up to 150 millimeters of rain. To really improve our situation, we need about 100 millimeters of rain quickly.
When talking about snowfall, he said it doesn’t directly boost reserves but helps keep rainwater flowing to the dams since the ground stays wet. He also mentioned, “we are not saved by snow.”
In closing, he shared some cautious hope that another million cubic meters of water might come in the next three days. Every drop counts, but we need steady and heavy rain until March to get out of this crisis.
