The municipality of Castro Marim has seen the highest decline in water consumption, with an annual decrease of 36% up to April 2024.

The Municipality of Castro Marim in the Eastern Algarve has topped the region’s water consumption reduction list.

According to the table compiled by Águas do Algarve, Castro Marim experienced a 36% reduction in water consumption in April compared to the previous year.

“These are the results of water efficiency management, which in recent years has become a flagship for the municipality of Castro Marim, with the implementation of various measures while focusing on raising awareness among the community», says the municipality.

In addition to expanding the water supply networks to unserved populations in the rural interior and mountains of the municipality, the City Council made a significant investment to combat the drought affecting the territory, the region, and the country.

“By engaging in physical labour, computerisation, and the personal commitment of key members of the municipality, hundreds of meters with telemetry have been installed. This enables easier anticipation of shortages and excessive consumption,” emphasised the municipality, adding that meters were installed and remote management was conducted in most public garden areas.

Construction and installation also began in the Flow Measurement Zones (ZMC) and at main supply points, which helps respond quicker to hidden ruptures below the surface.

Castro Marim officials also pointed out that it is the only municipality in the Sotavento (eastern Algarve) to be ranked in the top five positions in the Águas do Algarve table.

According to the table, the most significant decrease in water usage per year was observed in three major tourist villages in the Loulé municipality: InfraMoura in Vilamoura (-52%), InfraLobo in Vale do Lobo (-52%), and InfraQuinta in Quinta do Lago (-47%).

The fourth place on the list is occupied by Castro Marim (-36%), followed by Lagoa (-34%), Monchique (-33%), and Vila do Bispo (-32%).

The entities with the least reduction of consumption are Águas de Vila Real de Santo António (0%), Fagar in Faro (-1%), TaviraVerde (-5%), Ambiolhão (-7%), and EMARP in Portimão (-12%).

According to the table, Albufeira reduced water consumption from April 2023 to April 2024 by 29%, Alcoutim by 26%, Silves by 21%, Loulé by 18%, Aljezur by 18%, Lagos by 17% and S. Brás de Alportel at 13%.