The president of the Portuguese Environment Agency (Agência Portuguesa do Ambiente or APA) said southern reservoirs are “literally full” and contain enough stored water to last two to three years, with the potential to break national records in some basins. The assessment covers water quantity rather than long-term supply risks tied to demand or distribution, but it eases short-term drought concerns for irrigation and urban supply in the south. Those in the Algarve and Alentejo should follow municipal and supplier notices about any operational restrictions or water-saving guidance.
Update: Reservoirs 95% full, 12,610 hm³ stored
New reporting gives national figures: continental Portugal currently holds about 12,610 cubic hectometres (hm³) of water, roughly 95% of total reservoir capacity, and the APA says some basins could break storage records by the end of February. The coverage also notes a contrast between the south — where reservoirs are full — and wetter conditions in parts of the north, which affects regional water management and distribution planning.
