Summary:
Algarve reservoirs are at an average of 79% capacity after recent rains.
Three years of consumption worth of water is currently stored.
Projects underway include reducing water loss and increasing treated wastewater use for irrigation.
Plans for a desalination plant and additional dams are in progress.
Bravura reservoir capacity improved from 11% to 49% since December.
Current Water Levels in Algarve
The Algarve reservoirs are currently at an average capacity of 79% following recent rainfall, providing water for nearly three years of consumption. This situation allows for more confidence in the ongoing projects aimed at enhancing the region's water resilience, according to Pimenta Machado from the APA.
Impact of Recent Weather
Recent weather events, including the passage of Storm Martinho, brought more wind than rain, which is not yet reflected in the current water levels. Machado emphasized the importance of addressing water loss in the distribution network and expediting the use of treated wastewater from ETAR (Wastewater Treatment Stations) for irrigation purposes.
Future Projects and Initiatives
Ongoing initiatives include the construction of a desalination plant in Albufeira and a water capture project in Pomarão, Mértola, along with plans for a pipeline to the Odeleite reservoir. There are also studies for a potential Alportel dam and a new Foupana dam to further bolster water supply.
Notable Changes in Water Levels
Recent months have seen an increase of 200 hectometers cubed of water compared to last year, with specific reservoirs like Bravura rising from 11% to 49% capacity, and Arade improving from below 10% to 58%. Machado indicated that preventive discharges from Odeleite and Beliche reservoirs, currently at 97% and 92% respectively, will be suspended soon.
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