Águas do Algarve, the company responsible for managing the water supply and sanitation system in the Algarve, is planning a major investment of over €39 million in four key water resilience projects, supported by European Union funds.
These projects aim to make the region’s water system stronger, more efficient, and more sustainable, according to CCDR Algarve, the regional development commission, which adds that the four projects are part of the Strategic Plan for Water Supply and Wastewater Management 2030 (PENSAARP 2030) and focus on improving sustainability and protecting biodiversity.
One of the main projects involves remodelling of the Paderne Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Purgatório pumping system in Albufeira. This upgrade will allow the system to treat wastewater for the equivalent of 5,000 residents, with 60% of the funding provided by the EU.
The other projects include improving water supply pipelines to Loulé, rehabilitating underground water sources to increase resilience, and developing a smart, integrated system for more efficient water management. This last project includes modernisation, automation, and advanced technology to improve the operation of the water supply system.
Águas do Algarve says these projects will fix structural weaknesses, improve resource management, and make the water system more resilient, especially in times of drought. This is particularly important for the Algarve, where climate change makes water scarcity a real concern.
