Cyprus Times

Agia Marina Dam Overflowing: Environmental Significance and Water Management Concerns

Published March 28, 2026, 09:09
Agia Marina Dam Overflowing: Environmental Significance and Water Management Concerns

The Agia Marina Chrysochous dam overflowed in the early hours of Saturday, becoming the third of eight dams in the Paphos region to do so this year. Despite its small size (capacity of 298 thousand cubic meters), the dam is vital for irrigating the agricultural land of Chrysochous. The overflow, according to the Deputy Mayor of Agia Marina Chrysochous, Patroklos Evangelou, is of particular environmental significance and reflects the increased hydrological activity of recent months. The management of water resources is critical in an era of climate change, and the dam's overflow highlights the need for modern water management policies. The dam, built in 1965, has contributed significantly to the utilization of water in the area, which is characterized by strong seasonality in rainfall. The dam's supply from the Xeros River emphasizes the importance of protecting natural watercourses from pollution and overexploitation. The repeated overflow highlights the variability of weather phenomena and the need to adapt to the effects of climate change. The Deputy Mayor called on citizens to avoid wasting water, even in conditions of overflow, as water availability remains important for local agriculture. The Agia Marina dam is part of a wider water project that also includes other dams in the Chrysochous area.