“These numbers from the Algarve are a record,” an official source from the APA told Lusa.

The same source emphasises that “now is the time to put all our energy into implementing water resilience projects to prepare the region for the coming years, because this year, let no one have any doubt, was truly an exception.”

The APA recalls that in the last 12 years, rainfall in the Algarve region was below average by around 25-30%, which worsened from 2019 onwards, to 45%.

According to the figures provided, the volume of water stored in the Algarve's six reservoirs is 393 hm3 (cubic hectometres), which corresponds to 88% of the total capacity.

In Sotavento (east), the Odeleite dam is now at 97% of its capacity (126.50 hm3) and the Beliche dam at 92% (44.32 hm3).

In Barlavento (west), the Odelouca dam has 90% of its capacity (141.46 hm3), the Arade dam 72% (20.31 hm3), the Bravura dam 60% (20.73 hm3) and the Funcho dam 83% (39.59 hm3).

Compared to the same period in 2024, there was an increase of approximately 194 hm3 of stored water: 83 hm3 in Sotavento (corresponding to 43%) and 111 hm3 in Barlavento (corresponding to 57%).

On 14 March, the Government announced an easing of restrictions on water consumption in Faro, with the imposition of 5% reductions on agriculture, the urban sector and tourism.