“These numbers are a record for the Algarve,” stated an official source from APA to the Lusa news agency.
The same source emphasized, “Now it is time to put all our efforts into implementing water resilience projects to prepare the region for the coming years, because this year, without a doubt, was truly an exception.”
The APA noted that over the last 12 years, precipitation in the Algarve region has been below average by about 25-30%, and it worsened from 2019 onwards to 45%.
According to the provided figures, the volume of water stored in the six reservoirs of the Algarve is 393 hm³ (cubic hectometers), amounting to 88% of the total capacity.
In Sotavento (east), the Odeleite dam is currently at 97% capacity (126.50 hm³), and the Beliche dam at 92% (44.32 hm³).
In Barlavento (west), the Odelouca dam is at 90% capacity (141.46 hm³), the Arade dam at 72% (20.31 hm³), the Bravura dam at 60% (20.73 hm³), and the Funcho dam at 83% (39.59 hm³).
Compared to the same period in 2024, there has been an increase of approximately 194 hm³ in stored water: 83 hm³ in Sotavento (corresponding to 43%) and 111 hm³ in Barlavento (corresponding to 57%).
On March 14, the government announced in Faro a relaxation of water consumption restrictions in the Algarve, equating all sectors, with a mandate to reduce consumption by 5% for agriculture, the urban sector, and tourism.
