Algarve Water Storage Rises to 41% After Recent Rainfall: What You Need to Know

Recent Rainfall Boosts Algarve's Water Supply

The six dams that supply the Algarve region have seen a significant increase in their water storage capacity, now standing at 41% due to recent rains. This has added an impressive 30.9 million cubic meters of water to the reservoirs.

According to the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), this rainfall helped recover water reserves from 34% to 41%. Compared to the same period last year (January 13 to 19, 2024), there is an increase of approximately 62 cubic hectometers (hm³) of stored water.

Regional Breakdown

The recovery has been more pronounced in the Sotavento region of the Algarve, which experienced an increase of 23.4 hm³. In contrast, the Barlavento region only saw an increase of 7.5 hm³.

Here’s a quick look at the current capacities of key dams in the region:

• Odeleite Dam: 60% capacity (77.44 hm³)
• Beliche Dam: 49% capacity (23.59 hm³)
• Funcho Dam: 40% capacity (18.86 hm³)
• Odelouca Dam: 33% capacity (51.87 hm³)
• Arade Dam: 17% capacity (4.77 hm³)
• Bravura Dam: 13% capacity (4.64 hm³)

With forecasts indicating further increases in water levels due to river runoff, the situation is looking more promising for the Algarve's water supply.