Águas do Algarve warns of a ‘worrying situation’ at its reservoirs

The Algarve’s reservoirs are at levels well below normal and managers of the region’s water supply company Águas do Algarve says they are worried.

In late January 2016, according to Portugal’s weather service, almost all of the Algarve technically was in a drought situation.

The lack of rain has left reservoir water way below the levels needed. Teresa Fernandes at Águas do Algarve said that "the 7.8km2 Odelouca reservoir is at least 24% down on last year and Beliche-Odeleite is 23% down."

Águas do Algarve supplies 70 million cubic meters of water to its customers each year but if there is no rain the company starts to worry, even though it now can draw water from the massive €81 million Odelouce reservoir which was designed to provide water security for two years across the region if there is no rain.

"If the drought stays, Águas do Algarve can supply quality water, but only until October," warns the company.

Fernandes says that there is water to supply the local population for a year and a half, but for that to happen the company must start to take precautions by pumping water from the Western to the Eastern Algarve and to use tube-wells to access underground reservoirs.

One unexpected financial problem that has cropped up is a ruling this week that the region’s dams are now subject to property tax (IMI).

The Tax Authority has clarified its interpretation of the rules for this type of infrastructure and has ruled in its own favour, saying that the land and buildings composing a dam are subject to IMI from now on.

Costs will be passed on to householders, as is traditional.

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