More than a third of Portugal is in severe or extreme drought. An imbalance is developing between the north and the south of the country where measures to restrict water consumption have just been taken. The authorities want to act before the arrival of tourists this summer.
With our correspondent in Lisbon, Marie-Line Darcy
The Algarve, a tourist region in southern Portugal, will have to ration its water consumption. The government has decided to reduce by 20% the pumping quotas in reservoirs for irrigation as well as for golf courses. For gardens and golf courses with a water recycling system, the quota will be reduced by 50%.
A working group will be set up by the authorities to review authorizations for direct pumping from groundwater which is at a critical level. For their part, the municipalities of the Algarve want to obtain more stringent control instruments for the watering of gardens and the filling of swimming pools. Excessive consumption is in theory surcharged, but the rules are still too little respected.
Drought is also hitting the neighboring region of Alentejo, where herders have been unable to replenish their fodder stocks. Cattle breeders could benefit from specific aid from the European Union. Faced with this cycle of drought that began three years ago, and even before the start of the hottest season, concern is being felt. However, the government says there will be plenty of tap water this year.
► To listen also: Managing drought in Portugal