Portugal's Environment Agency reports record-high reservoir storage

José Pimenta Machado, president of the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), announced that the country's reservoirs are at their best‑ever level, with an average storage of 92 %. The Bravura reservoir in the Algarve reached 99 % capacity, a dramatic increase after recent storm activity.

Environment Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho said the dam situation is comfortable for the upcoming summer, supporting human consumption, agriculture, industry and tourism, but warned that a dry summer could still occur. In response to the positive water balance, restrictions on licensing new groundwater extractions have been lifted nationwide, except for the Campina de Faro area. Large water users will be required to submit automatic telemetry reports to improve monitoring.

The APA plans to continue managing and monitoring aquifers and strategic water reserves through telemetry, as already implemented in the Algarve region.