After weeks of steady rain in the Algarve, the Bravura dam in Lagos has reached 82% of its total capacity. The “historic” figure was confirmed by the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) and marks a sharp contrast with the critically low levels recorded over the past decade.
“It makes me very happy that we have had this dam with levels as low as 10%, 12% or 15%, and now it is at 82%,” APA boss José Pimenta Machado told Lusa news agency.
So far, five of the Algarve’s six dams have already carried out preventive water releases to avoid safety risks. In the case of Bravura, a similar operation may take place soon as water levels continue to rise. “It keeps raining, flows keep increasing. One of these days we will have all six Algarve dams, which would be historic, carrying out preventive releases,” he said, admitting this could happen “in 15 days or even less”.
José Pimenta Machado also said the Alqueva dam in the Alentejo has exceeded 90% of its capacity, while in the Algarve, the six dams – Odelouca, Odeleite, Beliche, Funcho, Arade and Bravura – currently show an average fill level of 89%, above the national average of 87%. “The Algarve has more water on average, which is a fantastic thing,” he stressed.
The head of APA said the country is experiencing “a very good year” in terms of water availability, pointing out that January falls “right in the middle of the wet season” and that February, March and April may still bring more rainfall. Even so, water volumes are already being carefully managed to create room for future storms. “I am emptying the dams to make room in case it rains more,” he explained, warning that there is little time to prepare for new storms.
The continued rainfall is also having a positive effect on groundwater reserves, particularly in the Querença–Silves aquifer system, which is essential for agriculture in the region. However, with soils now saturated, infiltration is limited and more water is flowing directly into reservoirs.
Rain is expected to continue falling across mainland Portugal in the coming days, with Storm Kristin already causing its first fatality and considerable damage. APA says it remains in close coordination with the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), local councils and Spain, due to their shared rivers. High river flows are being recorded from north to south, with José Pimenta Machado highlighting the Zêzere river in central Portugal, partly fed by snowmelt from Serra da Estrela.
