Almada Mayor Inês de Medeiros declared a state of alert on July 8 after days of water shortages disrupted daily life in the municipality south of Lisbon. The crisis has provoked street protests and clashes with police, and authorities warn a solution is not imminent, with normal service still weeks away.
Municipal water reserves stood at just 10% of capacity, far below the usual 60%, while average consumption exceeds 300 litres per person daily, well above the national average. Supply failures have affected the municipality since July 3, hitting Lazarim, Charneca da Caparica and Costa da Caparica hardest. A health centre in Costa da Caparica was forced to close on July 7.
Non-essential water use, including car washing and garden irrigation, is now banned under the emergency measures. Overnight supply cuts were imposed, though residents reported water had not returned as scheduled. The council suspects illegal water extraction and is conducting door-to-door inspections.