Algarve irrigators ask for restrictions to be lifted after recent rains

Algarve irrigators are calling on the government to ease restrictions on agricultural water use imposed due to drought plaguing the region after water levels rose due to rain recorded over Easter.

João Garcia from the Association of Irrigators and Beneficiaries of Silves, Lagoa and Portimão and Macario Correia from the Association of Beneficiaries of the Sotavento do Algarve Irrigation Plan told Lusa that the Algarve dams have more water than at the beginning of the year, when agricultural consumption cuts were introduced ( 25%) and in the urban sector (15%), and water from recent rains is allowing restrictions to be eased.

The President of the Irrigation Association of Silves, Lagoa and Portimão recalled that contingency measures had been in place for two years in this irrigation perimeter of the Western (Western) Algarve, emphasizing that in November “the taps were closed” and that farmers since then “have not “Drink a liter of water.”

João García said that the rains of January, February and the last days of March created a different reality from the one that led to the implementation of the cuts, stressing that “a lot of water was replenished” in the reservoirs due to the last rains, both upwind and downwind. leeward side [este]”, and the levels are the same as in the same period last year.

“In this sense, our expectations are that now – during April, as also announced by the APA. [Agência Portuguesa do Ambiente] “that during the first week of April I will contact the associations to review the cuts announced before the rains hit the Algarve – we can meet as soon as possible to review the cuts and provide more water to farmers,” he said.

João García believes that the rains recorded in recent weeks open up a “completely different perspective” compared to the one that underlay the cuts being applied, and farmers in Silves, Lagoa and Portimão now hope that they will be able to “have more water” and “ protect production.” “, which will be at risk if the cuts continue.

The president of the eastern Algarve irrigators’ association, Macario Correia, also said that recent rains in the Algarve had led to a “completely different scenario” and opened up space to review restrictions while maintaining a focus on water efficiency.

Macario Correia noted that measures taken in the downwind irrigation perimeter reduced consumption by 27% compared to the same period the previous year, and noted that given the recent rains, “there is no need to irrigate regularly next year.” weeks”, except for watering with fertilizers.

“This therefore means that we will save water by irrigating less during this period, and this, associated with an increase in the level of reservoirs, paints a completely different scenario for the future,” he stressed, emphasizing that the water stored in the reservoirs is the same. as on the same day in 2023, and the rivers will continue to release more water to the dams in the coming weeks.

Macario Correia recalled that efforts to manage water resources and prevent waste must continue as “the Algarve has not moved from scarcity to abundance” but noted that “the measures developed in January do not make sense at this time” when supplies are available , the level of which is similar to the same period in 2023.

“It means that [agora] “Near-normal irrigation can be achieved and the government should, together with the APA and the Directorate General of Agriculture, take steps in the coming days to review and update, taking into account current circumstances, the guidelines laid down in January and February,” he concluded. .