January 9, 2008--Drought-hit Cyprus considers importing water (Environmental Network News)
Photo courtesty of ENN
Drought-stricken Cyprus may import water to beat a crippling shortage that is threatening to tap the island's reservoir reserves dry, its agriculture minister said on Wednesday. Authorities were considering importing water from the Greek island of Crete if the drought persisted. Water shortages have triggered strict rationing for farmers, and cuts could also be considered to households if the situation does not improve by April. Official accounts suggest that rainfall in Cyprus has fallen by about 20 percent over the past 35 years, a decline officials attribute to climate change. Cyprus has two desalination plants running at full capacity, and a third is due to come on stream in June. Reservoirs were 9.2 percent full as of January 8, holding an estimated 25.3 million cubic meters of water.
To view the full article, visit the Environmental Network News. For a copy of the original article contact the WIP at (970) 247-1302 or stop by the office at 841 East Second Avenue in Durango.