en 
The guarantee was given by the Secretary of State for Nature
Conservation, Forests and Territorial Planning, João Catarino.
Asked about reports today about the worsening of the drought
situation in Portugal, the minister admitted to concerns but ensured that the
country will not have a lack of water for human consumption in the next two
years, even without rain.
“[Drought] is a situation that we all have to worry about.
Obviously, the Government has to be concerned, but concerned we guarantee that
there will be no shortage of water for human consumption”, João Catarino told
journalists.
The Secretary of State warned that if the situation worsens
further, there must be a “more efficient” use in all its dimensions.
“At home, in watering public spaces, in agriculture. We have
to be aware that if there is less water, we have to use much less. The
Government is responsible for guaranteeing the human consumption of water and
this is guaranteed for two years, for this year and for the [next] year, even
if it does not rain this year and next, which we hope will not happen”.
Rationing begins
The Secretary of State for Nature Conservation, Forests and
Territorial Planning admits, however, the rationing of water in certain areas
of the country, for certain purposes.
“[Water rationing] yes, this may have to exist for some
uses, obviously, but for human consumption, we will always be attentive. But
the Government is in a position to guarantee that there will be no shortage of
water for human consumption during the summer, without a doubt”, stated João
Catarino.
Heat wave
The Secretary of State also warned of the heat wave forecast
for the coming days by the Portuguese Institute for the Sea and the Atmosphere
(IPMA), which, combined with the drought situation, will create conditions of
extreme risk of fire.
“I would warn you to be very careful with the use of some
instruments, namely in agricultural or forestry terms, which could cause fires in
the coming days, because conditions will worsen substantially”, underlined the
minister.
For João Catarino, drought and forest fires “are two
permanent concerns of the Government”.
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forbid private swimmingpools. it is an abuse of water.
By fons van denbrink from Alentejo on 06 Jul 2022, 08:06
More waffle and no clear plan for the future. Stopping talking about it, and do something. Give us a strategy to address this impeding national catastrophe. Time is running out.
By Paolito from Algarve on 06 Jul 2022, 08:43
With the coastlines available to Portugal it’s staggering that there isn’t investment in desalination plants!!
By Valerie from Other on 06 Jul 2022, 09:51
I have to sadly say that I agree with Fons van Denbrink. Humans live in ways that are contrary to the ecosystems of parts of the world they are in, and then run into serious problems that result from a lifestyle out of balance with nature. Multiply this worldwide and we have the climate crisis and environmental catastrophe we see happening around the planet. Golf courses are another waste of water. Subtropical areas do not naturally have vast expanses of short green grass. But people expect them just like they expect swimming pools. Astroturf is not the answer where people want green lawns either. It is just yet another source of plastic production. It is unnatural.
By Steve Andrews from Other on 06 Jul 2022, 10:30
Portugal has sun and coast. The water resource situation isn't going to miraculously recover so instead of waiting to react with contingency planning why is there no long term plan for solar powered desalination and osmosis water treatment. Would solve all water shortage problems. Israel produces 70% of its water from desalination so why can't portuguese government be proactive for a change.
By Matthew from Other on 06 Jul 2022, 11:29
With a long Atlantic Coast line the Portuguese government should build desalination plants and supply the baragems close to the ocean by pipeline so agriculture will never run out of water for irrigation - already being done today successfully in North (Africa Morocco) & Middle East (Israel) Needs foresight & investment raise finance by small levy on every water bill
By Eddy Lagrand from Algarve on 06 Jul 2022, 12:56
Get rid of those ridiculous golf courses. Swimming pools are not the problem.
By Americas Sinking from USA on 07 Jul 2022, 01:42
Israel has thousands of desalinations plants. There are African countries that have hundreds. Portugal has less than 50. Embarrassing. Desalination plants are cheap. Water is a renewable source, it does not waste. Stop the hysterical fear mongering for people who cannot think for themselves and start real reporting: like, why would Portugal only have a few dozen plants, when it has a huge Atlantic coast, and then cry about water shortage? Is it the EU 'forbidding' such an obvious solution, or is it the Portuguese government?
By Hart from Lisbon on 07 Jul 2022, 04:55
Wait until October/November no doubt record rainfall as is normal after drought. Remember there is exactly the same amount of water on earth there has always been, it will get here. Floods are about as frequent as severe droughts they are called weather events, not climate emergency.
By Chestney from Other on 07 Jul 2022, 11:29
Just how are they going to guarentee water if it does not rain? Steal the water back from Spain that are draining the Guadiana river?
By David Clark from UK on 19 Sep 2022, 20:52