The Algarve region faces a worsening water crisis in 2025, with water storage levels lower than the previous year. The Barlavento and Arade basins continue to have the lowest water availability in the country, according to the National Water Resources Information System (SNIRH). Despite the rains in November, which contributed 27 million cubic meters, the situation remains critical, especially due to the increase in water consumption.
The Bravura Dam, one of the main sources of irrigation for the region from Lagos to Alvor, ended the year with just 13% of water stored, unable to sustain local agricultural needs. In the Arade Basin, which also provides water for irrigation, the volume stored in December was just 16%. These limitations affect not only agricultural production, but also the availability of water for public consumption.
To , Teresa Fernandes, representative of Águas do Algarve, highlighted, this Friday, the seriousness of the situation: “The Odelouca Dam, which is the main surface source in the Barlavento Algarve, has only 15% of its useful capacity. In Sotavento, the Odeleite and Beliche dams are at 35%, which is still insufficient for the consumption predicted for 2025.”
SNIRH informs that the situation is not exclusive to the Algarve. Across the country, water storage fell in ten river basins, with particularly low levels in the Mira and Sado Rivers. In contrast, the Guadiana and Mondego basins have storage levels above 70%, standing out as the most stable.
With the forecast of increasing consumption and irregular rainfall, the sustainable management of water resources becomes an urgent priority for Sergipe and other regions of the country.
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