In Cyprus, dams are struggling to reach even 50 per cent capacity due to low rainfall levels and soaring temperatures. With reservoirs at only 47 per cent capacity island-wide, water management strategies are being implemented to address the growing water scarcity issue.
Why are dams below 50 per cent capacity despite adverse weather conditions?
Despite experiencing unusual weather patterns with severe events, dams remain below 50 per cent capacity because the overall rainfall has been insufficient, at just 48 per cent of the seasonal expectation. Elevated temperatures and reduced precipitation have led to lower reservoir levels, averaging only 47 per cent capacity across the island.
Unusual Weather Patterns
February’s weather threw us some curveballs, but it hardly made a dent in the annual rainfall expectations. Official figures tell us that we’ve only seen 48 per cent of the expected rainfall for the season. It seems Mother Nature played a trick, as temperatures soared to 2.1 degrees Celsius above the norm. The long-term impact is worrisome: our total precipitation from October 2023 through February 2024 was a mere 280.4mm, falling short of the 75 per cent of usual levels.
The disparity in weather patterns is striking. While some regions experienced severe weather events, including torrential rains, hail, and even a tornado, such occurrences did little to ease our growing concerns over water scarcity.
Reservoir Watch
Turning our eyes to the state of our reservoirs, the numbers are sobering. They are currently filled to only 47 per cent capacity, a significant drop from last year’s 69 per cent during the same period. We’ve got 138 million cubic meters sloshing around, which falls short of last year’s more comfortable 200 million cubic meters as we headed into summer.
Variation is evident across the island. For instance, the largest reservoir at Kouris is at a worrying 40.8 per cent capacity. Kalavasos is even lower at 30.3 per cent. Others, like Lefkara, Asprokremmos, and Evretou, are somewhat steadier, with levels ranging from 54.6 to 63 per cent.
Water Management Strategies
Conversations with Senior Engineer Yiannis Economidou reveal a cautious but proactive stance. Despite low inflow rates, the focus is on optimizing the allocation of water from government projects. Measures are being taken to ensure water is judiciously distributed, with emphasis on meeting water supply needs without resorting to cuts.
Agriculture, a sector that substantially depends on water availability, may face restrictions on water quantities, underscoring the need for improved irrigation practices and the use of reclaimed water where possible.
Climate Consciousness and Extreme Weather
Economidou also stresses the importance of individual water consciousness. As climate variability continues to challenge traditional weather patterns, the responsibility to conserve water becomes a collective one.
February gave us sunny skies, yet it also brought forth a slew of extreme weather events. We witnessed hail, snow, and even a tornado, none of which helped in accumulating the normal levels of rainfall. Some regions like Stroumbi saw a drastic reduction to 20 per cent of their average February rainfall, whereas others like Kelokedara exceeded expectations.
Significant damage was also reported in areas like Yermasoyia, where a tornado wreaked havoc, affecting residences, farms, and the power supply. Floods and power outages were seen in Nicosia, while even the mighty Kilrou dam overflowed, painting a picture of the erratic behavior of this season’s weather.
Despite the tumultuous weather, the temperatures were not as cold as one would expect, with most weather stations recording daytime highs well above average for February. Only the beginning of the month saw temperatures dip below the norm.
Why are dams below 50 per cent capacity despite adverse weather conditions?
Despite experiencing unusual weather patterns with severe events, dams remain below 50 per cent capacity because the overall rainfall has been insufficient, at just 48 per cent of the seasonal expectation. Elevated temperatures and reduced precipitation have led to lower reservoir levels, averaging only 47 per cent capacity across the island.
What are some of the unusual weather patterns Cyprus has experienced recently?
Cyprus has recently experienced unusual weather patterns, with February temperatures soaring 2.1 degrees Celsius above the norm. While some regions faced severe weather events like torrential rains, hail, and even a tornado, overall precipitation levels have been significantly below expectations, exacerbating the water scarcity issue.
How full are the reservoirs in Cyprus currently?
The reservoirs in Cyprus are currently only filled to 47 per cent capacity island-wide, a significant drop from the 69 per cent capacity seen during the same period last year. The largest reservoir at Kouris is at a worrying 40.8 per cent capacity, and Kalavasos is even lower at 30.3 per cent. Water levels in other reservoirs like Lefkara, Asprokremmos, and Evretou range from 54.6 to 63 per cent.
What water management strategies are being implemented to address the water scarcity issue in Cyprus?
Water management strategies in Cyprus include optimizing the allocation of water from government projects despite low inflow rates. Measures are being taken to judiciously distribute water, with a focus on meeting water supply needs without resorting to cuts. There may be restrictions on water quantities for agriculture, highlighting the need for improved irrigation practices and the use of reclaimed water where possible.
