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Dam Levels at 21% - 'March Owes Us Rain'

Published March 9, 2026, 12:10
Dam Levels at 21% - 'March Owes Us Rain'

The total dam capacity in Cyprus stands at 21%, according to the First Technical Engineer of the Water Development Department, Marios Chatzikostis. Compared to the same period last year, where the capacity was 25.4% with 73.8 million cubic meters of stored water, this year the stored amount is 61.15 million cubic meters, recording a significant decrease. The inflow of water into the dams has decreased in recent days due to the lack of substantial rainfall in March. Effective inflow depends on the geographical distribution of rainfall, as rainfall is required in targeted areas, mainly on the southwestern side of Troodos. Despite the relatively good water harvest in February, the situation remains difficult. Mr. Chatzikostis expressed hope for rainfall on the southwestern side of Troodos in the coming weeks to boost water reserves. The contribution of desalination plants is crucial to ensuring water adequacy, covering about 70% of the needs for drinking water in the provinces of Limassol, Nicosia, and Larnaca. In summary, the low dam levels and reduced water inflow require the arrival of rainfall and the continued operation of desalination plants to ensure water supply.