Water reserves are at near-capacity levels
Just six months ago, the thought might have seemed almost utopian – but today, regional water company Águas do Algarve (ÁdA) has confirmed that the region’s public water supply is fully secured for at least the next three years.
Thanks to an exceptionally rainy winter, water reserves across the Algarve’s key reservoirs are at near-capacity levels, ÁdA spokesperson Teresa Fernandes told Lusa news agency.
“Even if there’s no rain at all in the coming years, our current estimates show that we can still guarantee high-quality, safe water for human consumption,” Fernandes said.
This projection is based on the average annual water consumption in the region – around 72 million cubic metres – a figure consistent with usage trends in recent years.
The Odelouca reservoir, located in the western Algarve (Barlavento) and the largest in the region, is currently at 90% usable capacity, holding nearly 115 million cubic meters of water. In the eastern Algarve (Sotavento), the Odeleite reservoir stands at 97%, while the Beliche reservoir is at 92%.
It’s the kind of great news that few expected, but this does not mean that people should relax or stop trying to save water. “Although we have more water stored, it is important to continue using this resource efficiently and responsibly,” insisted Fernandes.
Taking all six main reservoirs in the region into account, the Portuguese Environmental Agency (APA) says they hold a combined 395 million cubic meters of water—roughly 90% of their total capacity. In addition to the reservoirs supplying drinking water, agricultural and golf-related reservoirs also saw significant improvements. The Arade dam is at 72%, Bravura at 60%, and Funcho at 84% of usable capacity.
Compared to the same time last year, stored water volumes across the Algarve have jumped by nearly 199 million cubic meters—84 million in the east and 112 million in the west.
