Guarda dam to release water boosting Mondego river flow

The Portuguese Environment Agency (APA) plans controlled water releases this week from the Caldeirão dam, in Guarda district, to temporarily boost flows in the Mondego river amid an unusually dry summer. The measure follows concerns raised by upstream municipalities—Fornos de Algodres, Celorico da Beira, Guarda and Nelas—over reduced river flow. APA says July 2026 was mainland Portugal's driest July this century, with rainfall at under 8% of normal, worsening water eutrophication and algae growth in low-circulation areas. Celorico da Beira council says releases of 5 m³/s are scheduled for the nights of 24-26 August to support water supply and the Ponte de Juncais river beach, urging caution near the riverbanks.