"How can you live here?": the struggle of the residents of As Conchas for their reservoir, which remains contaminated despite the ruling that supports them

Merche Álvarez recalls her childhood by the As Conchas reservoir, now polluted by livestock waste. After years of inaction, she and neighbors sued authorities, winning a landmark ruling in 2026 that recognized the environmental degradation caused by intensive farming. However, over a year later, no significant action has been taken to address the contamination. The Xunta proposed a two-year moratorium on new farms, but critics argue it fails to tackle existing pollution. Meanwhile, contamination has spread to Portugal, affecting water supplies for 150,000 people. Local organizations advocate for reducing existing farms while supporting farmers. Merche laments the loss of her childhood paradise, now a source of shame and health concerns.