Algarve dam levels may increase even further in coming days
The Algarve’s six water reservoirs have climbed to 41% of their total capacity following recent heavy rain, adding 30.9 million cubic metres of water, according to the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA).
Water levels surged from 34% to 41% between January 13 and 19, marking a significant recovery, a source from APA told Lusa news agency. Compared to the same period in January 2024, the dams now hold an additional 62 cubic hectometres (hm³) of water.
The eastern Algarve experienced the most substantial gains, with an increase of 23.4 hm3, leaving the Odeleite reservoir at 60% capacity, Beliche at 49% and Funcho at 40%. Meanwhile, the improvements were more modest in the western Algarve, where the increase was of only 7.5 hm3, with reservoirs still at worrying levels – Odelouca at 33%, Arade at 17% and Bravura at 13%.
The good news is that APA predicts further Algarve dam level increases as runoff from rivers and streams continues to bolster water reserves, and more wet weather is expected in the coming days.
michael.bruxo@portugalresident.com
