“The six reservoirs that supply the Algarve region total a volume of around 199 hm3 (corresponding to 45% of the total storage capacity). Compared to last week, there was an increase of around 0.8 hm3. Compared to the same period in 2023, there is an increase of approximately seven hm3 of stored water”, indicates APA data on the volume existing in the region's surface reserves on Monday (April 15).

According to the data, the worst storage percentages are found in the Barlavento (west), with the Arade and Bravura dams at 18% and 22%, respectively.

The other two dams Odelouca and Funcho, are at 46% and 55% respectively, while the two reservoirs in the Sotovento (east) area, those of Beliche and Odeleite, are at respective levels of 43% and 51% of total capacity.

If Beliche, Odeleite, Funcho, and Arade now have less capacity than a year ago, with data ranging from minus 5.1 hm3 in Odeleite to 0.4 hm3 in Funcho, the situation is different in the Odelouca and Bravura, which have 13.4 and 3.1 hm3 more than in the same period in 2023.

Although the rains recorded in the first months of the year and during the Easter period have improved reserves in the region, environmental authorities have been warning that the drought situation continues in the Algarve and it is necessary to continue adopting measures to control consumption.

At the beginning of April, the APA announced that it would carry out “an assessment of the hydrological situation and respective projections this month, to determine the possibility of reviewing the conditions in force in the region”.

However, they stressed that any decision would have to “continue to ensure at all times the storage of the volume necessary for one year of public supply”.

The Algarve has been on alert due to drought since February 5th, and the Government has approved a set of measures to restrict consumption, namely a 15% reduction in the urban sector, including tourism, and a 25% reduction in agriculture.