The six reservoirs that supply the region have a total volume of around 155hm3, corresponding to 35% of their total capacity.

According to the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), the six dams that supply the Algarve are at 35% of their total water storage capacity. This suggests that there is an adequate amount of water to secure the region’s supply for another twelve months.

“The six reservoirs that supply the Algarve region total a volume of around 155 hm3 [cubic hectometers], corresponding to 35%” of their total capacity, said the APA.

However, despite the situation being better than last year, “it is necessary to continue saving water,” the report warned.

In mid-November this year, after the last rains in the southern region, the dams were at 34% of total capacity, one percentage point less than currently.

The rain seen in the first half of November meant, at the time, an increase of five percentage points in the capacity of the Algarve dams.

“The data shows that the contingency plan approved by the interministerial commission, where water cuts were alleviated, is “in line with the results and with the assumption that we have water reserves for one year”, it added.

In the eastern Algarve, the Odeleite dam is now at 47% of its capacity (60.50 hm3), Beliche at 39% (18.74 hm3) and Funcho at 38% (18.05 hm3).

In the Barlavento (west), the percentages are less significant, with the Odelouca dam recording 30% of its capacity (47.88 hm3), the Arade dam 17% (4.82 hm3) and the Bravura dam with 13% (4, 40 hm3).