These controlled discharges are timed carefully to coincide with low tide
As explained by Castro Marim municipality last week, controlled water releases from the dams of Beliche and Odeleite are going ahead due to the fantastically high levels of water brought by recent rains.
Dozens of people enjoyed the ‘historic’ spectacle on Tuesday morning, with the representative of Águas do Algarve explaining that just on Monday night, the Odeleite dam’s level had increased by another two metres, bringing capacity up to 98%. Beliche is also close to full capacity.
These controlled discharges are timed carefully to coincide with low tide, so as not to challenge the water levels of the Guadiana River as it flows out to sea.
Owners of boats moored have been warned to ensure they are secure, and any livestock kept by the riverbanks should be moved to positions of safety.
Further discharges may occur again before the wet season is out.
Photos: Bruno Filipe Pires/Open Media Group
