Arminou Dam
Located in the beautiful town of Paphos in Cyprus, the Arminou Dam is a magnificent attraction that attracts a lot of visitors all year round. It is located just 40 kilometres away from the town of Paphos and a few kilometres northeast of the village of Arminou. The Arminou Dam is considered to be the most well-known and one of the most beautiful dams in Cyprus.
The Arminou Dam is a dirt dam that has a maximum capacity of 4.3 million cubic meters of water, with a height of 40 meters. The runoff basin of the Diarizos River which ends there is 116 square kilometres. The aim of the dam is to divert water towards the Kouri dam through a pipe. The maximum diversion that the pipe can take though to the Kouris Dam is 16 million cubic meters of water yearly, while the possibility of the river at the area where the dam is 24 million cubic meters of water.
The study of the dam was conducted by the mechanical engineers Howard Humphreys and Partners Ltd of the United Kingdom, in cooperation with the Cypriot technical office of I. Theofilou. All the geological researches and the check of the materials were done by the department of water development and the department of geological overview.
The Arminou Dam plays a vital role in enriching the water aquifer of the river as well as the irrigation of the plantations that exist in the length of the Diarizos River and reaches 40 kilometres away. There is controlled water leakage in the dam to ensure that the water is distributed effectively. The water that is allowed to flow to the bank of Diarizos is also amplified by water from other sources such as the water fountain of Trozena and other sources that are located in the Arsos area.
Before the construction of the Arminou Dam, the water did not reach the river banks, which caused great reactions to the surrounding communities. However, with the construction of the Arminou Dam, the situation has changed, and the river ecosystem has undergone some changes. While some of the river ecosystems still exist in the length of the river, others have been affected by the construction of the dam.
The Arminou Dam is not just a popular attraction for visitors; it also has a significant impact on the economy of Cyprus. The dam plays a crucial role in providing water to the plantations along the Diarizos River, which contributes to the agricultural economy of the region. The dam also provides water for drinking purposes to the local communities in the area.
Apart from its practical use, the Arminou Dam is also a beautiful location that is ideal for nature lovers and hikers. The dam offers an excellent location for picnics, and there are various hiking trails that visitors can explore. The area surrounding the dam is rich in flora and fauna, and visitors can spot various species of birds, butterflies, and plants.
The Arminou Dam is a perfect example of how a man-made structure can have a positive impact on the environment and the local communities. The dam has not only provided water for the plantations and the local communities, but it has also become an attraction that visitors from all over the world come to see. The Arminou Dam is a must-visit attraction for anyone visiting Cyprus, and it offers a unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.