The Portuguese Environment Agency (Agência Portuguesa do Ambiente or APA) reports that national reservoirs are in their best condition ever, with an average storage level of 92%. Agency president José Pimenta Machado noted that even historically dry reservoirs, such as the Bravura dam in the Algarve, are nearly full, suggesting a comfortable water supply for the upcoming summer season.
Reservoirs reach record storage levels ahead of summer
Tuesday, 19 May 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
The APA (Agência Portuguesa do Ambiente) is Portugal's central environmental authority, responsible for environmental policy, climate action, water resources, waste management, and coastal protection. It operates under the Ministry of Environment and Energy.
APA manages Portugal's water resources including river basins, dam operations, and flood risk planning. It monitors air and water quality, oversees waste treatment facilities, manages the national emissions trading scheme, and leads Portugal's climate adaptation strategies.
The agency is particularly prominent during flood events, as it controls dam discharges and coordinates water management across Portugal's major rivers. APA also processes environmental impact assessments and licenses for projects affecting natural resources.
