Filenews 21 August 2021 - by Despina Psilou
A serious problem with the quantities of water and the capacity of the dams, can bring about a hydrological year with reduced rainfall, similar to last year's. Despite the two excellent years that preceded in terms of water inflow, however, the impact of last year's dry winter is now apparent.
According to the data of the Water Development Department, the total capacity of the dams of Cyprus amounts to 290.8 million cubic meters of water; In the measurement conducted August 16, 2021, the dams had 175.1 million. c.m. water, i.e. capacity was at 60.2%. In the same period last year, the dams had 255.4 million. c.m. of water, i.e. 87.8% capacity.
As noted in "F" the technical engineer of the Water Development Department, Marios Hadjicostis, for the period we are in a good level as to the water reserves in the dams and the percentage of their capacity. "There were very few years in the past, where we were at 60% of occupancy in August and September. It helps us that it was preceded by two very good winters (2019 and 2020) with a lot of rainfall and large inflows, where we reached almost 100% of the capacity." However, he notes, the last winter we had low levels of rainfall. "If the coming winter is like the last, then capacity is expected to fall from 60% to 30% to 40%, so the problems will multiply."
In cases of irregularities, notes Mr. Hatzikostis, measures are taken regarding the use of water and at the same time regarding the desalination production, which contribute largely to the water balance of Cyprus. "Desalinations have the potential to produce 70 million c.m. tonnes in one year. We certainly do not need this volume every year. The data are examined at the beginning of each hydrological year and the relevant decision is taken by the Advisory Committee on Water Management (SEDY). For example, two years ago when the dams were overflowing, desalinations gave only 20 million. c.m. of water. Last year, and despite the fact that the hydrological year began with full reserves because then we had a low year in rainfall, desalination gave 45 million tonnes. c.m. of water. This winter I reckon that we will need more than 50 million. c.m. of water from the production of desalinations. If we continue like this in 2023, we will definitely need even more water from desalinations."
In addition, he said, in addition to desalinations, water is also secured by the reflected networks. "We have the wastewater treatment plants, where they process and convert into appropriate quality quantities of water intended for some agricultural use. These networks exist in all provinces, which irrigate with recycled and, at the same time, cheaper water. A few million cubic meters are channelled every year."
The figures for the quantities of water that reached the dams during this year are dishearteningly low. Specifically, it is reported by the Water Development Department that in the last quarter of 2020 (October, November and December) and until August 2021, 36 million c.m. of water entered the dams. In the corresponding period of 2020, the inflow was 135.9 million. c.m. of water, while in 2019 it was even higher at 265 million. c.m. of water. Worst year in terms of rainfall and water inflow of the last decade was 2014 with just 12.3 million. c.m. of water as well as in 2016 with 17.9 million. c.m. of water.
