Almada water crisis triggers cuts, protests and political showdown

More than half of Almada’s twelve water reservoirs are below normal levels, with only one at 87% capacity. The shortage has led to repeated supply failures, especially on the Costa da Caparica, prompting the municipality to declare a state of alert.

Nightly total water cuts have been imposed in seven localities—including Pragal, Cacilhas, Ramalha, Cova da Piedade, Bairro da Cova da Piedade and Centro Sul—from 22:00 to 06:00, with restoration to be gradual. To mitigate the deficit, Almada has added two new boreholes delivering about 120 m³ of water per hour.

Around 1,500 residents protested on 8 July, demanding solutions and the resignation of Mayor Inês de Medeiros. The mayor later said the council is studying possible compensation for those affected and is exploring a temporary link to the EPAL Castelo de Bode system. The neighbouring municipality of Seixal offered to lend a nearby borehole to boost Almada’s supply.

The Socialist Party of Almada defended the municipal response, rejecting a motion of censure from the opposition PSD and pledging further evaluation of the crisis and measures to improve water‑network resilience.