Dialogos

Positive Developments in Reservoir Levels, but Hydrological Year Remains Vulnerable

Published February 16, 2026, 12:03
Positive Developments in Reservoir Levels, but Hydrological Year Remains Vulnerable

Reservoir levels in Cyprus have improved substantially following recent weekend rainfall, hailed as 'golden' due to its quantity, intensity, and location. Three dams – Klirou, Pomos, and Kalopanayiotis – have already overflowed. Despite this positive development, the overall situation remains at low levels, lower than the same period last year, with current fullness at 17.2% compared to 25.9% last year. At the beginning of the year, Cyprus had recorded the lowest reservoir levels in recent years, at just 9% on January 1st. Rainfall over the three-day period totaled 23.4 millimeters, with a positive aspect being that it fell in the mountains rather than the plains, where it contributes more to dam replenishment. However, an additional 30 millimeters of rainfall is needed to reach normal February levels, which is not predicted according to estimates. With a fullness rate of only 17%, the situation is not considered sustainable, and additional solutions, including the creation of new desalination units, are being considered. Reduced fullness directly affects the environment, biodiversity, and borehole water levels in communities. Although there is cautious optimism for the overall hydrological year, the situation remains precarious and requires careful management. The hydrological year, while not the driest, remains vulnerable and requires careful management. The inflow of water so far is 28.4 million cubic meters, exceeding the inflow of the worst year of the last 40 years (1995-1996) which was 32 million. This recovery, while significant, is not enough to ensure the sustainability of water resources and requires continuous monitoring and targeted interventions.