Filenews 20 February 2023 - by Despina Psylou
With the dropper, the flow of water to the dams of Cyprus is noted this year, while the difference was made by the onslaught of bad weather "Barbara" bringing some water supply. As shown by the data of the Water Development Department, the stored quantities of water are 14.2% less than in the corresponding period last year, a percentage that corresponds to more than 42.3 million cubic metres of water.
In particular, from the data it seems that the dam of Kalopanayiotis is at 100% of its capacity, while last year in the corresponding period five more dams were filled (Lefkara, Asprokremmos, Argaka, Pomos and Xyliatos). This year's situation was also shaped by the previous dry months, with January being one of the worst in a decade in terms of the quantities of water stored. Any improvement has occurred in the current month, which is currently the most efficient of the hydrological year.
According to the data of the Water Development Department, the total capacity of the dams is 290 million cubic metres. There are currently 201 million. m.p., which corresponds to 69.4% of their total capacity. A year ago capacity stood at 83.6%.
The largest inflow in this year's hydrological year has been given by February with 10 million. This is followed by January (which is usually by far the rainiest month) with 8.2 million. m.p., October with 3.9 million. m.p., November with 2.97 million. and December with 2.97 million. m.p.
Only Kolopanayiotis is at its maximum capacity, while the dam of Xyliatos is approaching (99.7%).
Kouris, the largest dam in Cyprus, currently has 72.4 million m² of water, that is, it is at 63% of its capacity. A year ago it was at 74.9%. The dams of the Southern Pipeline (Kouris, Kalavasos, Lefkara, Dipotamos, Germasogeia, Arminou, Polemidia and Achna) with a total capacity of 189.4 million cubic metres of water are at 65.5%. Last year it was at 78.7% of their capacity.
The Paphos dams (Asprokremmos, Kannaviou and Mavrokolymbos) with a capacity of 71.7 million cubic metres are at 77.7%. Last year they were considerably higher, at 95.5% of their capacity. The Chrysochous dams (Evretou, Argaka, Pomos, Agia Marina) with a capacity of 26.1 million cubic metres, they are at 72%. Last year it was at 84.7%. The Nicosia dams (Vyzakia, Xyliatos and Kalopanayiotis), with a capacity of 3.4 million cubic metres, they are at 89%. Last year it was at 98.8%.
For his part, the director of the Department of Meteorology, Kleanthis Nikolaidis, noted to "F" that the second half of February is dry. "After Barbara there is a drought. In terms of climate data, this winter is not good."
Today the weather will be clear, but clouds will be observed from time to time. Mercury will be up to four degrees above normal. Tomorrow the clouds will thicken, with the possibility of isolated light rain, mainly in the mountains. On Wednesday and Thursday the weather will be intermittently cloudy and isolated rains are expected.
