Drought worsens in Portugal

On the last day of July and compared to the last day of the previous month, there was a decrease in the volume stored in all monitored river basins, according to data from the National Water Resources Information System (SNIRH).

By TPN/Lusa, in News, Portugal · 02 Aug 2022, 16:07 · 3 Comments

Only five of the 60 reservoirs monitored had water availability greater than 80% of the total volume and 26 have water availability below 40% of the total volume.

Only the Ave basin exceeded, at the end of July, the average storage in the reference period (1990/91 to 2020/21).

On the last day of July, the Cávado (36.4%), Mira (37.2%) and Sado (41.1%) basins also had less water availability.

The Mondego (77.8%), Guadiana (66.3%) and Ave (59.2%) basins had the highest levels.

The Tagus Basin was at 51.9% of its capacity.

Each watershed may correspond to more than one reservoir.

At the end of June, more than a quarter of the mainland's territory was in extreme drought (28.4%) and the remaining territory was in severe (67.9%) and moderate drought (3.7%).

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Comments

Remax says the sales of new properties from foreign investors is incredibly high now and people from all over the world are moving to beautiful Portugal because it's safe (no guns like USA) and hospitable. YES, Portuguese people are friendly, considerate and basically happy BUT with the drought, water shortages and restrictions will come and a 40% unexplained boost to our electric bills how long will they be a "happy" society and of course Covid and masks again are in our future and probably water restricitions so DON'T wait to fix it when it all breaks; what is Portugal doing now to maintain water consumption? Opening a new waterpark in The Algarve and and suggesting a pipeline from Porto which is also experiencing drought is NOT the answer guys; try Desalanisation processing like Israel's 2200 buildings.

By Wes from USA on 03 Aug 2022, 05:26

I fail to understand why plastic football pitches, grass roundabouts and verges are still being watered. We see sprinklers on in the morning, what a waste! As householders, we are being extra careful and thoughtful with water consumption. Let's all pull together please!!

By Pam from Algarve on 03 Aug 2022, 14:07

@ Wes, desalination plants will just add to the global warming problem, through the excessive use of energy to run them. Thus creating more drought! How is that a sustainable solution???

By Marco from Alentejo on 03 Aug 2022, 22:13