The Algarve’s reservoirs are currently at 89% of their total capacity, and the Bravura dam may soon become the sixth and final reservoir in the region to carry out preventive water releases as leading to possible floods downstream, the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) revealed today.
“Good news: the Algarve’s reservoirs continue to register very high levels,” said APA president José Pimenta Machado.
As of Tuesday, 27 January, the Algarve’s six water reserves hold a combined total of 395 hectometres cubed (hm³) of water, equivalent to 89% of capacity, an increase of 179 hm³ compared with a year ago, when storage stood at a mere 48%.
The Algarve remains above the national average, which currently stands at 86%.
All dams in the region are above 80% capacity: Odeleite is at 97%, Odelouca at 87%, Funcho at 85%, Arade at 84%, while Beliche and Bravura are both at 82%. According to Machado, the Bravura dam, currently at 82%, is likely to soon join the other five Algarve reservoirs that have already carried out preventive releases.
“This would be something historic for the region,” he said, marking what has been one of the wettest winters the Algarve has seen in recent history. Preventive releases are described as “a normal management measure that helps ensure the safety of infrastructure and maintain a balanced use of available water. With forecasts pointing to further rainfall, the key is to continue managing resources responsibly,” the APA president stressed.
Souce: APA
