Despite the increased water levels in the Algarve dams, abstraction remains on hold.

Recent rainfall has resulted in a significant increase of water in the Algarve’s dams, particularly in the Barlavento region, which has been facing a severe drought, reported Expresso newspaper this week.

The Algarve’s six reservoirs saw a five million cubic meters rise in water levels within a week. Thanks to the recent 118 mm rainfall, they are currently at 35% of their capacity, equivalent to 155 cubic hectometres, which is still significantly less than a year ago.

Although streams around Monchique are once again flowing in strength towards the Bravura, Funcho and Odelouca dams in the Barlavento, despite the rain, the Sotavento reservoirs remained largely unaffected.

The Bravura dam, located north of Lagos, is the only one experiencing an increase in water levels compared to 2023. However, despite this increase, water extraction remains suspended at this location and Odelouca.

Additionally, the water level at the Santa Clara dam in the southwest Alentejo region rose by 11 cubic hectometres in the past week, reaching 36% of its maximum capacity. Since January, the level of this dam has risen 2.8m.

More rain is forecast for the last week of March, and with the land less parched and the rivers flowing, new dam recharge is expected. Despite this, the region will remain on high alert as temperatures continue rising, and contingency plans offer little relief.

January was already the third hottest on record, and the predictable increase in temperatures with the arrival of spring and the approaching tourist season will have implications for consumption in a region that barely has water guaranteed for this year.