Algarve Reservoirs Reach 84% Capacity: A Historic Water Storage Recovery

Water Levels Surge in Algarve

The six reservoirs supplying the Algarve have reached 84% of their total water storage capacity, thanks to recent rains that added 30 million cubic meters of water, as reported by the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA).

According to APA President Pimenta Machado, this marks a historic record for the Algarve region. However, he emphasized the need for responsible water management to ensure sustainability. "We have more water now, and the Algarve is much more stable, but we must continue to use water responsibly to secure the future," he stated.

Significant Increase in Water Volume

The total volume of water in the six reservoirs has increased to 376 hectometers cubed (hm3), a rise of about 217 hm3 since March 2024, when the volume was only 159 hm3, or 36% of capacity. Compared to the same period last year, there is an increase of 99 hm3 in the eastern Algarve and 118 hm3 in the western Algarve.

Reservoir Capacities

• Odeleite Reservoir: 98% full (127.34 hm3)
• Beliche Reservoir: 91% full (43.81 hm3)
• Funcho Reservoir: 82% full (39.12 hm3)
• Odelouca Reservoir: 82% full (129.28 hm3)
• Arade Reservoir: 59% full (16.80 hm3)
• Bravura Reservoir: 56% full (19.35 hm3)

Last week, the Odeleite Dam, the most crucial in the eastern Algarve, opened its gates for a controlled water release for the first time since 2018. The Beliche Dam, also in the Faro district, underwent a similar release.

Government Measures

On March 14, the government announced a relaxation of water consumption restrictions in the Algarve, imposing a 5% reduction across agriculture, urban areas, and tourism sectors.