Filenews 27 January 2026
Despite the fact that there has been an influx of water into the dams in the last three days, enough rains are required at this stage when the earth is saturated so that it can be said that Cyprus is heading for an exit from the drought period and therefore citizens are called upon to continue saving water and make the most of the rain, said the Senior Officer of the Water Development Department, Gianna Oikonomidou.
Besides, the Senior Fisheries Officer, Vassilis Papadopoulos, told KYPE that in addition to any contribution of the rains to the water balance, the rains that ended up in the sea were necessary and beneficial for the marine ecosystem and the coastlines.
Ms. Oikonomidou stated that in the last three days, a total inflow of about 2.4 million cubic meters of water was recorded into the dams, of which 1.2 million. cubic meters of water in the dams of the Paphos district. He added that during January 26, the total amount of water stored in the dams is 34 million. cubic meters, which corresponds to an occupancy of 11.8%, compared to 26.1% that was the water in the dams last year on the same day. The capacity of the dams amounts to 335 million cubic meters of water, he added.
On Friday, the First Technical Engineer of the Water Development Department, Marios Hatzikostis, had told KYPE that the contribution of rains to the fullness of the dams was only 400,000 cubic meters of water with the amount stored in the dams being at 11%.
Ms. Oikonomidou pointed out that despite the improvement in the water balance, more heavy and more substantial rainfall is required for the dams to acquire the required reserves so that it can be said that Cyprus has come out of drought, adding that any new rainfall that occurs during this period when the land is saturated will end up more easily in the dams.
Regarding the 110 dams, of which 56 are considered large according to international standards, he said that Cyprus in relation to its size has the most dams in Europe and almost all the major rivers of the island have been exploited.
He then explained that the fact that part of the rainwater ends up in the sea should not cause discomfort, since the water must follow its natural course, enriching the underground aquifers from which water is pumped that contributes to the water balance, while further acting as a natural defense salinization, as many underground aquifers have salinized. He noted that rational management is based on balance, so that in addition to storage, the environment is also protected.
Asked about the projects being carried out to make water management more effective, he said that research continues to increase the overflow in other dams, in the context of the total projects under construction, the cost of which exceeds €200 million, which concern pipelines, reclaimed water, water supply and irrigation projects, all of which contribute to the increase of the water balance.
Asked about the ways in which citizens could contribute to the collection – storage of water, she said that farmers are encouraged through the common agricultural policy program to store rainwater, a practice that ordinary citizens can also apply by using rainwater to irrigate gardens. He noted that the most important thing that the citizens can do, which is our request, is to save water so that we can get through the year without disorderly cuts in the summer.
When asked if new boreholes can prevent the phenomenon of water evaporation from the dams, he said that the water sources for water supply are dams, desalination and boreholes, and for irrigation dams with reclaimed water and boreholes. He added that the Water Development Department in collaboration with the Geological Survey Department has proceeded with the drilling of boreholes and will drill new ones in order to include additional sources – through drilling – in the water balance
He added that the Department is moving in all possible directions in order to have sufficient water, irrigation and water supply.
Asked about this, Mr. Papadopoulos said that his Department does not have the authority to measure rainwater that ends up in the sea, just as it has no responsibility to collect water, but clarified that it is estimated that the amount of rainwater that ended up in the sea in the last few days was enough and very beneficial for the marine ecosystem and the coastlines.
He added that the rain that ends up in the sea contributes decisively to maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem, since it transports nutrients from land, renews surface waters and helps regulate salinity, especially in coastal areas. At the same time, it enhances the hydrological cycle, supports marine biodiversity and contributes to the natural renewal of waters, which is essential for life in the oceans and seas.
He further stated that the sediment carried by rain into the sea protects coastlines from erosion.
Asked if fishermen can expect an increase in the population of the catchable product, after explaining unreservedly that rain carries nutrients and organic matter to the sea from land, he said that however, there should be no false hopes for fishermen for a dramatic increase in fish.
It is noted that sediment carried away by rain (fine soil particles, clay, inorganic and organic materials) is a key structural and nutritional element of coastal and marine ecosystems. It enriches the waters and seabed with nutrients, which feed phytoplankton and, through the food chain, the entire marine ecosystem.
At the same time, sediment contributes to the creation and maintenance of delta formations, wetlands and sandy coasts, protecting coastlines from erosion. On the seabed it acts as a substrate for organisms, helps store carbon and regulate biogeochemical cycles, enhancing the long-term ecological balance of the sea.
As far as the contribution of rains to the fish population is concerned, their role (rains) is essential and multi-layered, since rains transport nutrients and organic matter from land to the sea, which enhance the growth of phytoplankton, which is the basis of the marine food chain. Increasing the availability of food contributes positively to the growth of fish populations.
In particular, the increased freshwater runoff creates favourable conditions in coastal and estuarine areas, which act as natural "nurseries" for many species of fish. There they find shelter, food and suitable conditions for the reproduction and development of young individuals. Finally, rainfall contributes to sediment transport and the formation of seabeds and habitats, enhancing biodiversity and the stability of fish populations, with a positive impact on both ecosystems and fisheries.
