Faro, Portugal. March 20, 2025 (Lusa) - The Algarve's dams are at an average of 79% of their total storage capacity after the recent rains, which means "almost three years of consumption" for the region, according to the president of the Portuguese Environment Agency".
"This situation allows us to work with some peace of mind on implementing the projects underway to give the region greater resilience," Pimenta Machado told Lusa.
These figures still don't take into account the passage this week of Storm Martinho, which caused "more wind than rain".
The APA official emphasised the need for the region to remain focused in the coming years on carrying out projects that are already underway, such as combating water losses in the current distribution network or speeding up the process of using water from wastewater treatment plants to water golf courses and gardens.
"This is a fundamental issue. It doesn't make sense to use the water we have to water golf courses and gardens," insisted Pimenta Machado.
The president of the APA also mentioned the projects underway to increase water storage, such as the construction of the desalination plant in the municipality of Albufeira, the work to collect water in Pomarão, in the municipality of Mértola (Alentejo), and the construction of a pipeline to the Odeleite reservoir in the municipality of Castro Marim (Algarve).
As for the western Algarve, a connection via Santa Clara, in the Alentejo, is being studied "to give greater resilience" to that side of the Algarve.
Other ongoing projects include studying the possible construction of the Alportel dam and the project for the new Foupana dam.
"The Algarve is much calmer at the moment, but it's when it's calmer that we have to make good decisions to prepare for future years," said the president of the APA.
Pimenta Machado pointed out that the Algarve has stored 200 cubic kilometres more water in recent months than last year and now has reserves for "almost three years".
The APA leader said that the dams that had less water until recently are the Bravura, which is now at 49 % of its capacity, compared to 11% in December, and the Arade, which is at 58%. A few months ago, it was the only one in the country below 10%.
Pimenta Machado also said that the preventive discharges made in recent days at the Odeleite (97%) and Beliche (92%) dams should be suspended "very soon".
FPB/ADB // ADB.
Lusa
