The 50% limit has now been broken by the province of Paphos in terms of the total occupancy of its dams. What until the beginning of the year was considered a science fiction scenario and the plans were based on empty dams, has now changed spectacularly after the heavy rains of the last four months.
The second largest dam in Cyprus, Asprokremmos, is now at 41% of its occupancy, while all the other dams in the province have already far exceeded this percentage.
With three dams in the province of Paphos having even overflowed and with all the others showing a noticeable quantitative difference compared to the corresponding period last year, the first half of May also records unexpectedly significant performance, causing feelings of relief to producers and citizens.
The three small dams of the province, those of Agia Marina Chrysochous, Argaka and Pomos, overflowed as early as March, while the fullness of all the dams of Paphos and the comparison with the corresponding day last year, demonstrates an unexpected improvement in the situation a few months ago.
Indicatively, in the second largest dam in Cyprus, that of Asprokremmos, the occupancy rate at the end of last week was 41.1% compared to 22.8% last year. In Kannaviou the occupancy has now risen to 51.8% compared to 24% last year on this day, while in Mavrokolympos, which due to damage was empty last year, on April 16 the water level is now at 89.8%.
In the Chrysochous district, in addition to the three overflowing dams, there is the large dam of Evretos, in which the occupancy is at 49.1% compared to 23.2% last year.
These data, which are expected to improve even more with the rainfall that continues in some areas even today, cause enthusiasm among farmers and citizens in general. As much as the authorities warn that they do not solve the serious water problem of Cyprus, they do not cease to be a positive development for the situation. Combined with the repair of the damage to the Mavrokolimbos dam and the permanent desalination plant of Kouklia from the 2024 fire, they create a climate of optimism in Paphos for the coming summer, especially given that the rains and flows in the dams continue during this period.
