Portugal's reservoirs near record highs after historic storms

Heavy storms have filled Portugal's reservoirs to near-record levels fyi, with some dams reaching full capacity for the first time in over a decade. The Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) reports that mainland reservoirs now hold 12.61 billion cubic meters of water, with overall capacity at 95%.

Several dams in the Alentejo and Algarve regions, which have long struggled with low water levels fyi, are now overflowing after the recent downpours.

The Guadiana River experienced extreme flows during the storms, peaking at around 6,000 cubic meters per second at its mouth. Its tributary, the Chança River, also surged to 1,100 cubic meters per second. These high volumes have drastically improved reservoir levels fyi across the country.

The Campilhas dam in Santiago do Cacém, Alentejo, had not exceeded 40% capacity in the past ten years but is now full. Similarly, the Odeleite dam in Castro Marim, which had never filled in the last decade, has reached full capacity. The Monte da Rocha dam, historically known for having little to no water, is now full and discharging surface water.

In the Algarve, the Bravura dam in Lagos—previously peaking at just 34.1% in February 2022—is also now full. The Santa Clara dam on the Mira River in Odemira, which fluctuated between 66% and 33% in recent years, has reached full capacity as well. The Arade reservoir remains the least full at 74%, though this is still a significant improvement.

José Pimenta Machado, president of the APA, predicts that Portugal will break its national record for stored water by the end of February. However, the agency notes that long-term data comparisons, particularly for Alentejo and Algarve, remain limited due to insufficient historical records.

The recent storms have transformed Portugal's water cycle, filling dams that have been under capacity for years. With reservoirs at 95% capacity nationwide, the country is on track to set a new record for stored water. The surge in water levels follows years of drought concerns, particularly in the southern regions.