Alcoutim Dam

Category: Civil Architecture > Dam

District: Faro > Alcoutim > Alcoutim

Location

The Alcoutim Dam is located in the municipality of Alcoutim, a region in the interior of the Algarve. It is nestled in the barranco dos Ladrões (Thieves' Ravine), an area that offers a unique perspective on the local topography. Its position allows for appreciation of the surrounding natural landscape, characterized by gentle elevations and typical vegetation, contributing to an atmosphere of calm and tranquility.

An Engineering Work and Its Purpose

The Alcoutim Dam is a significant structure, designed in 1992 and put into operation in 1995. It is an embankment dam, specifically of the rockfill with core type, a construction technique that integrates harmoniously into the landscape. With a height of approximately 30.5 meters above the foundation and a crest length of 130.5 meters, it impresses with its scale. The main purpose of this engineering work is water supply, a vital resource for the local community.

The Reservoir and the Scenic Environment

The body of water formed by the dam, known as a reservoir, extends over an area of approximately 0.13 square kilometers, with a total storage capacity of 1 million cubic meters. This body of water lends the site a serene and appealing atmosphere. The size of the reservoir, along with the surrounding natural landscape, creates a setting inviting contemplation, where one can observe the interaction between the built structure and nature.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt