Contacted by the Lusa agency, João Ramalho, from the Association of Beneficiaries of Caia (ABCAIA), indicated that the surface discharges began at 10:30, and this measure was communicated to the populations of the municipalities of Elvas and Campo Maior, through the website Entity’s Internet.
Recalling that the “last time” that discharges were made in this reservoir was “in January 2023”, João Ramalho assured that, with the current situation, agricultural campaigns “are assured at least until 2025”.
Thanks to the rain that has fallen recently, the reservoir has reached 98.62% of its storage capacity, which corresponds to more than 187.3 million cubic meters (m3) of water, according to information on the website ‘ by ABCAIA, consulted by Lusa.
The Caia Dam was built in 1963 and has the capacity to store 190 million m3 of water, supplying the municipalities of Elvas, Campo Maior, Arronches and Monforte, all in the Portalegre district, in addition to being used for agriculture.
After being unloaded and released from this reservoir, the water will follow its path along the Caia River, then entering the course of the Guadiana River, after which it will culminate at the Alqueva Dam.
In the same Alentejo district, the Maranhão (Avis) and Montargil (Ponte de Sor) dams are also located