Dam levels in the Paphos district remain at around 23% capacity with no significant change expected despite recent rainfall, according to the Water Development Department in Paphos.
The department said inflows are continuing but that the full impact on overall reserves will only be assessed once the current rainfall cycle is complete. Inflows are continuing today, which has generated cautious optimism.
Two small irrigation reservoirs in the district have overflowed following heavy rain. Pomos dam, capacity 860,000 cubic metres, was the first to overflow, followed by Argaka dam, capacity 990,000 cubic metres.
Both serve primarily as irrigation infrastructure for agricultural land in the area. Argaka dam forms part of the Chrysochou irrigation scheme and operates as an integrated system alongside the Evretu, Agia Marina and Pomos dams. The overflow has been welcomed in both communities, with residents and visitors travelling to the area to see the spectacle, which had not occurred for some time.
The Xeros river, which feeds into Asprokremmos dam in the Paphos district, is running fast following prolonged rainfall, contributing to inflows and boosting that reservoir’s reserves.
Charalambos Pittokopitis, president of the Paphos District Organisation of Local Government, told CNA the water situation in Paphos city and district was manageable. He said the organisation was in full coordination with the District Engineer’s office of the Water Development Department to implement programmes aimed at reducing consumption and minimising losses.
A contractor has already been engaged to repair any faults causing water loss on the same day they are identified, a measure that has already produced significant savings, Pittokopitis said. Discussions are also under way with the Agriculture Ministry on a public awareness campaign to curb wasteful water use.
He added that regulations for the organisation’s operation are being finalised and will include higher charges for excessive consumption as a deterrent, while standard household consumption rates will remain unchanged, which he described as low and reasonable.
(information from CNA)