Summary:
Algarve reservoirs now at 34% capacity due to recent rains.
5% increase in storage thanks to 26 hm³ added from rainfall.
Continued water conservation measures are essential despite improvements.
Comparison shows an increase of 39 hm³ from last year.
Eastern reservoirs benefited most, with Odeleite at 46% capacity.
Recent Rainfall Boosts Algarve's Water Reservoirs
The recent rains have significantly improved the water levels in the Algarve, with the six reservoirs now at 34% of their total capacity. This marks a 5% increase due to the recent precipitation, according to the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA).
The reservoirs currently hold approximately 154 hectometers cubed (hm³) of water, which is 35% of the needs for urban and tourism sectors. The president of APA, José Pimenta Machado, noted that 26 hm³ was added from the recent rains, highlighting the importance of maintaining water-saving measures despite the improvement.
Continued Need for Water Conservation
While the situation has improved, Machado emphasized the necessity of continued conservation efforts. He stated, "We are better than we were before, but we must maintain the same objectives and plans for water savings in various sectors: 10% for urban use and 13% for agriculture and tourism."
In comparison to the same period last year, there has been an increase of approximately 39 hm³ stored, rising from 115 hm³ (26% capacity) to the current 154 hm³ (34%). The government had previously eased restrictions on water consumption for agriculture and urban sectors, reducing limits from 25% to 13% for agriculture and 15% to 10% for urban use.
Distribution of Water Across Reservoirs
The eastern reservoirs have benefited the most from the recent rainfall, with the Odeleite reservoir now at 46% capacity (59.36 hm³), Beliche at 38% (18.09 hm³), and Funcho at 37% (17.70 hm³). In contrast, the western reservoirs show lower percentages, with Odelouca at 31% (49.16 hm³), Arade at 17% (4.88 hm³), and Bravura at 13% (4.40 hm³).
Pimenta Machado expressed solidarity with the affected communities and commended local municipalities and civil protection for their efforts during this challenging time. According to the Climatological Bulletin from the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA), there has been a significant reduction in meteorological drought in mainland Portugal, with the Lower Alentejo and Algarve regions now classified as experiencing weak drought.
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