Consequences of the fires: danger of water contamination puts the Ministry of the Environment on alert

Water contamination due to fires is a concern. The Ministry of the Environment says it is carrying out a survey of equipment that requires urgent intervention.

The fire burned and left ash, which, transported to the water lines, is an imminent health hazard. A working group linked to the Ministries of Environment and Territorial Cohesion is already on the ground.

The survey of equipment that requires urgent intervention has already begun in the municipalities of Albergaria-a-Velha, Águeda and Aveiro.

Wind and rain cause organic matter to wash down slopes. The ash is transported to watercourses and then to rivers and reservoirs. A difficult cycle to stop that ends up having an impact on health.

Keeping the water uncontaminated is difficult, considering that the area burned since last Sunday exceeds 124 thousand hectares.