Algarve Boosts Water Resilience with €59 Million Investment Amid European Efficiency Goals

Major Investment in Algarve's Water Cycle

The Programa Regional Algarve 2030 has received 19 applications by September 15, representing a total investment of over €59.3 million. This initiative marks a significant push towards sustainable water management in the Algarve region.

With an average co-financing rate of 60% from the European Regional Development Fund (FEDER), projects submitted by municipalities and Águas do Algarve under the Urban Water Cycle (CUA) emphasize the priority given to water efficiency and regional resilience. The Portuguese government, through the Ministry of Environment and Energy, will further support these efforts by increasing public backing for municipal projects aimed at reducing water losses.

Understanding the Urban Water Cycle

The Urban Water Cycle encompasses all infrastructure and services that ensure water supply to populations and its treatment. It is divided into two levels: upstream and downstream.

• Upstream CUA: This covers the entire multi-municipal system, from water capture, treatment, and transport to municipalities. It is robust and primarily managed by Águas do Algarve, which has submitted applications for investments totaling over €39 million.
• Downstream CUA: This includes municipal networks for water distribution and wastewater collection. A total of 15 applications have been filed, estimating a total investment of €18.3 million.

Key Projects and Participants

Projects involve various municipalities, public municipal and state companies acting as water and sanitation management entities, alongside Águas do Algarve. Participants include EMARP, TAVIRAVERDE, AMBIOLHÃO, INFRAMOURA, and the Municipalities of Lagos, Lagoa, Castro Marim, Silves, and Monchique. Strategic interventions focus on:

• Reducing water losses in urban networks
• Rehabilitating obsolete infrastructure
• Preventing and mitigating saltwater intrusion in sanitation networks
• Reusing treated wastewater for non-potable purposes
• Expanding and modernizing sanitation networks

European Context and Goals

The European Commission, in its "European Water Resilience Strategy" communication from June 4 of this year, identifies water as a basic need, a critical resource, and a security priority for the European Union, describing it as "a finite resource that must be used efficiently."

Consequently, priority is given to mobilizing funds and establishing indicators, with a target to "increase water efficiency by at least 10% by 2030."

Leadership and Commitment

José Apolinário, President of the CCDR Algarve and the Managing Authority of the ALGARVE 2030 Regional Programme, emphasized: "The Algarve region is well aware that water is life, and the mobilization of these investments demonstrates the priority the Algarve places on the sustainability of one of the vital resources for regional development: water. The CCDR Algarve and the Managing Authority, in coordination with AMAL, APA, and the Environmental Fund, will continue to closely monitor the execution of these projects, working with municipalities and management entities to ensure the success of the interventions."