Works to protect and control the water in four reservoirs affected by the wildfires concluded

The Ministry of Environment and Energy, through the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), completed the emergency works to protect and control the water in four reservoirs affected by the wildfires this summer. The priority was safety in water supply.

The interventions included building barriers to retain ashes and sediments, the continuous monitoring of water quality in the catchments, and the cleaning and clearance of the affected areas, restoring natural water flows.

According to the Minister of Environment and Energy Maria da Graça Carvalho, "one of the priorities was to ensure water quality and safety for public consumption".

In addition to the immediate activities, the Government published an ordinance that ensures funding for the municipalities for their waterways’ recovery, stabilising soils, ecological restoration, and invasive species’ control. These measures combine short and medium-term activities, ensuring the sustainable recovery of ecosystems in protected areas, Rede Natura 2000, and high natural value regions.