Urban water consumption in the Algarve rose by 4.6% in January compared to the same period in 2023, equivalent to 20 cubic hectometres, according to data from the reservoir management commission of Portuguese Environment Agency APA. Reporting on the latest data, Lusa says only six of the 19 organisations responsible for water supply – four municipalities (Alcoutim, Castro Marim, Silves, and Vila do Bispo) and two municipal companies (in Loulé and Olhão) – reduced consumption in January compared to the same month in 2023. “In the opposite direction, all the other municipalities and companies that supply the region consumed more water in January than in the same month last year, with the main year-on-year increases being recorded in Albufeira, Portimão and Loulé, three of the main tourist municipalities in the region”.
Algarve urban water use increases despite severe drought
