The inflow of water to the dams has been quite unsatisfactory this year, with traditionally rainy months January and February not making their usual difference in raising the percentage stored in the reservoirs.

Water Development Department data reveal that the first two months of the year added a mere 3.5 million cubic metres of water to the reservoirs.

When January and February are poor, it is December that may or may not save the day. But with December 2015 on such a low show, hopes now rest on the end of February and March.

If there is no drastic change, authorities will need to consider increasing water quantities from the desalination plants to cover irrigation needs.

Actual numbers released by the Water Development Department reflect the magnitude of the problem of reduced water quantities in the dams.

Total quantities now stand at 110 million cubic metres, a figure which represents 38% of their total capacity (it was 40.5% this time last year).

Kouris dam, the largest one on the island with a capacity of 115 mcm, currently holds 21.3 mcm, that is, a mere 18.5% of its full capacity.