The general director of the intermunicipal company Águas do Ribatejo has appealed for moderate use of public water, warning that high temperatures are causing increases in consumption that, in some systems, can double compared with winter.
In statements to Lusa, the general director of Águas do Ribatejo (AR), Miguel Carrinho, stated today that the difference compared to winter is particularly marked in these kinds of territories, in contrast to what happens in urban areas, where consumption tends to remain more stable throughout the year.
“We have, in many systems, water consumption that is double and, in some cases, even more than double what happens in winter periods,” he said, explaining that this increase is mainly associated with garden irrigation, lawn maintenance and the use of pools.
Miguel Carrinho stressed that, although supply systems are designed with safety margins, “they do not have infinite capacity,” and situations of high consumption, linked to periods of intense heat, can place significant pressure on the infrastructure.
The official also warned about the impact of this pressure on response to critical situations, such as rural fires, since water availability is essential for fighting the flames.
“When there is already very high pressure on the systems, it can lead, in extreme cases, to some failure,” he said.
In this sense, he appealed for more “conscious” behaviours, especially regarding uses he described as “non-priority or superfluous,” such as intensive irrigation, patio washing or even the practice of wetting walls and roofs to cool dwellings, practices whose effectiveness, at temperatures above 40 degrees, is “very reduced,” representing mainly water waste.
Regarding swimming pools, the general director argued for more efficient water management, avoiding frequent replacements.
“There are ways to treat the water and keep it for up to a year,” he noted, pointing to environmental and economic advantages.
Miguel Carrinho also stressed that the increase in consumption puts greater strain on the systems, which “raises the risk of breakdowns and potential supply failures.”
Regarding the summer outlook, marked by forecasts of high temperatures and heat waves, the official assured that the managing bodies are implementing measures to reinforce system resilience, but cautioned that these solutions are not sufficient on their own.
“The response will necessarily have to be collective,” he said, advocating a joint effort among managing entities, municipalities, and consumers.
Among the measures underway, he highlighted seeking alternative solutions for managing green spaces, favouring options that reduce watering needs, while still maintaining the quality of the urban environment.
The official concluded that adapting to new climatic patterns requires a change in behavior, emphasising that water should be treated as an essential resource, whose preservation is decisive to guarantee human supply and priority uses, such as firefighting.
Águas do Ribatejo (AR) is an intermunicipal company responsible for the management of water supply and sanitation systems in several municipalities of the Tagus Valley, including, among others, Salvaterra de Magos, Almeirim, Alpiarça, Benavente, Chamusca, Coruche and Torres Novas.
