Portugal's river basins are in good condition, unlike the situation in many European countries.

We keep reading disastrous news about rivers running dry and dam levels reaching their lowest levels across Europe. Fortunately on our side, at least the picture on the surface is quite comforting for now. When we look at the data of the National Water Resources Information System (SNIRH) at the end of July, water levels are above average in dams and river basins across Portugal, with a few exceptions in the north. What is the Latest Situation in the Basins? The situation is fine almost everywhere except the Lima and Mondego basins in the north. Lima basin was slightly behind seasonal norms (65.3%), with 51.9% occupancy; Mondego is also a little below the average with 74.3%. The place that makes us smile and whose tank is completely full is the Oeste basin (100%). It is closely followed by Mira with 94.3% and Barlavento in the south with 86.7%. The areas with the lowest water levels were recorded as Lima (51.9%), Ave (66%) and Douro (71%), respectively. The occupancy rate is over 80% in 21 of the 60 dams monitored. The best news is this: As of the end of July, we do not have a single dam with an occupancy rate below 40%. So, is the Drought Danger Over? Unfortunately, that side of the matter is not as rosy as it seems. According to IPMA's climate reports, 61.1% of the country suffers from mild meteorological drought and 2.7% suffers from moderate meteorological drought. There is a subtle distinction here: While meteorological drought is about the lack of rain, hydrological drought means the decrease in water in dams and rivers. We are comfortable with the dams right now, but don't let this mislead you. There is a very critical detail that is not often mentioned in the news: Our underground water resources (aquifers). Even though the dams have been overflowing for months, the condition of those huge water reserves that have accumulated underground for centuries is not good at all. Unfortunately, groundwater does not return to its previous state immediately after a single winter of heavy rain. Although the situation seems good on the surface, the situation in those "secret warehouses" underground is at critical levels. Therefore, it is always beneficial not to rely on the 100% occupancy rate in the dams and not to waste water, and to be a little more cautious when opening the taps.