The Algarve municipalities exceeded the targets established by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) for reducing water losses in supply systems, after investing more than 40 million euros in rehabilitating infrastructure between 2021 and 2026, as disclosed in a press release.
According to the same source, in accordance with the Algarve Intermunicipal Community (AMAL), the body responsible for managing the investments as an intermediary entity within the Recover Portugal Mission Structure, more than 160 kilometres of water supply network in the region were intervened, surpassing the initially set target of 125 kilometres.
The works enabled an estimated saving of more than 2.15 hm³ of water, above the PRR’s target of 2 hm³.
The investments were carried out by the managers of low-pressure water supply systems, including municipalities and municipal companies, and had as their main objective to reduce real and apparent losses in the distribution networks, in a region particularly vulnerable to water scarcity.
The strategy to reinforce water efficiency is set to continue in the coming years through the Algarve Regional Program 2030. AMAL has already contracted 42.5 million euros in funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), intended for new projects related to the water sector.
Among the priority investment areas are the rehabilitation of water supply infrastructures, the reduction of saline intrusion in coastal urban systems, the improvement of wastewater treatment systems, the reuse of treated water, and the continuation of measures to combat water losses.
The funding will also be directed toward the digitalisation and technological modernization of the systems, enabling a more efficient and intelligent management of water resources.
The Algarve region has faced prolonged drought periods in recent years and increasing pressure on water availability, prompting public authorities to reinforce climate adaptation measures and promote efficiency in the consumption of this resource.
According to AMAL, the results achieved under the PRR demonstrate the ability of Algarve municipalities to implement structural investments and contribute to a more sustainable water management in the region.
