Although recent rainfall has brought some relief across Portugal, the southern region of Alentejo continues to face water scarcity, with reservoir levels well below those of the north.
According to the most recent figures released by the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) via the National Water Resources Information System (SNIRH), as of 9 December 2025, water storage in the Alentejo stands at 68.4%. While this figure is slightly above the historical average for this time of year (50.4%), experts warn that it remains insufficient to guarantee stability, particularly given the region’s recurring drought patterns and high water demand for agriculture.
In contrast, several river basins in northern and central Portugal — including the Vouga (95.3%), West (93.4%), and Douro (88.4%) — are showing healthy and above-average water levels. Meanwhile, southern basins such as the Sado (51.4%) and the Barlavento (45.9%) remain among the lowest in the country.
“Rainfall has improved the national picture, but in the Alentejo, we must remain cautious. A few wet weeks don’t erase years of pressure on water resources,” said a source from the APA.
The Guadiana basin, which covers a large part of the Alentejo, currently holds 80.6% of its capacity — a promising figure, but still not enough to ensure resilience in the long term, especially as climate change and erratic weather patterns continue to challenge water management in the region.
Alentejo water reserves stand at 68.4%, slightly above the historical average but still far from secure.
- Northern basins exceed 90%, highlighting uneven distribution of rainfall and storage.
- The situation calls for continued caution and long-term water management strategies, particularly in drought-prone regions like the Alentejo.
