The situation in Cyprus’s dams is extremely alarming. According to Gianna Oikonomidou, Senior Executive Engineer at the Water Development Department, overall dam capacity has dropped to just 13.1%, a sharp decline compared to 29.9% during the same period last year.

As Offsite reports, despite the nationwide decline, this is not the worst year on record. Oikonomidou explained that the lowest capacity was recorded in 2017–2018, but what makes the current year worse is the increased demand for water, which adds further pressure on already limited resources.

The hydrological year, ending on September 30, brought inflows of only 18.7 million cubic meters of water, the second-lowest of the decade. Oikonomidou noted that this year is the worst of the past three, with the prolonged drought since 2023 showing no signs of easing.

For comparison:

• Last year’s inflows reached 24.7 million cubic meters

• Two years ago, inflows were 48.8 million cubic meters

• The worst year of the past decade remains 2015–2016, with just 17.9 million cubic meters

Based on official data from the Water Development Department (as of September 19), Cyprus’s dam capacity shows a dramatic reduction compared to last year, with only a few dams experiencing slight increases.

• Kouris Dam: 11.9% (27.4% last year)
• Kalavasos Dam: 13.7% (23.1% last year)
• Lefkara Dam: 15% (57.7% last year)
• Dipotamos Dam: 24.3% (21% last year)
• Germasogeia Dam: 28.6% (26.2% last year)
• Arminou Dam: 45.3% (27% last year)
• Polemidia Dam: 26.4% (23.2% last year)
• Achna Dam: 2.9% (11.8% last year)

Other reservoirs show even more concerning figures:

• Asprokremmos: 11.5% (35.6% last year)
• Kannaviou: 14.2% (38% last year)
• Mavrokolymbos: 0% (12.3% last year)
• Evretou: 13.9% (31.3% last year)
• Argakas: 0.4% (13.8% last year)
• Pomou: 14.4% (27.2% last year)
• Agia Marina: 19.1% (16.4% last year)
• Vyzakia: 0.5% (10.2% last year)
• Xyliatos: 4% (23.5% last year)
• Kalopanayiotis: 14.9% (5.8% last year)