Algarve's €74 Million Water Resilience Plan to Combat Drought and Climate Change

Águas do Algarve is investing €74 million to strengthen public water supply in the region and enhance system resilience against drought and climate change, the company announced on Monday.

In a statement, the manager of Algarve's public water supply highlighted that "structural projects" include measures to modernize infrastructure, improve efficiency, and protect aquatic ecosystems.

This investment aligns with the goals of the Regional Operational Program 2023 and reflects "a firm commitment" to technological modernization, operational efficiency, and system resilience.

The intervention aims to ensure the region "continues to have an excellent service," even amid increasing pressure on water resources.

As part of the investment program, projects have already been approved for the remodeling of the Paderne Wastewater Treatment Plant (ETAR) and the Purgatório pumping system in Albufeira municipality, totaling €6.2 million.

Additionally, a project worth €21.8 million has been approved to boost water supply to Loulé, which will guarantee drinking water in rural areas of this municipality, along with an integrated smart system for operational efficiency in the Algarve's bulk water supply, valued at €4.5 million.

Under analysis is a project for the rehabilitation of underground water sources (€7.7 million), a measure outlined in Council of Ministers Resolution No. 26-A/2024 to strengthen strategic reserves during drought periods.

The company is also preparing four new applications for an additional investment of €34 million, focusing on reinforcing the interconnection between the western and eastern Algarve, modernizing the multi-municipal system, building new ETARs, and implementing solar sludge drying solutions.

In a territory marked by "water vulnerability," every drop counts, and each investment "is essential to ensure water for all," the company concluded.