“The six reservoirs that supply the Algarve region total a volume of around 155 hm3 [cubic hectometers], corresponding to 35%” of its total capacity, said the same source.

However, despite the situation being better than last year, “it is necessary to continue saving water”.

In mid-November this year, after the last rains in the South region, the dams were at 34% of total capacity, one percentage point less than currently.

The rain seen in the first half of November meant, at the time, an increase of five percentage points in the capacity of the dams.

“The data shows that the contingency plan approved by the interministerial commission, where water cuts were alleviated, is “in line with the results and with the assumption that we always have water reserves for one year”.

In the eastern Algarve, the Odeleite dam is now at 47% of its capacity (60.50 hm3), Beliche at 39% (18.74 hm3) and Funcho at 38% (18.05 hm3) .

In the west the percentages are less important, with the Odelouca dam recording 30% of its capacity (47.88 hm3), the Arade dam 17% (4.82 hm3) and the Bravura dam with 13% (4, 40 hm3).