The municipal council of Lagoa has inaugurated the newly upgraded Sesmarias water tower, a key project designed to reinforce the reliability and capacity of the water supply network in the areas of Carvoeiro, Sesmarias, and Mato Serrão – where water cuts had become all too frequent in recent years.
Representing a €2.5 million investment, the renovation and expansion works received 60% funding from the Algarve Regional Programme, while the remaining 40% may be covered by the Environmental Fund, under a protocol signed on September 24 in Faro between the Algarve 2030 Regional Programme Management Authority and the Environmental Fund. This agreement allows the national share of eligible municipal or inter-municipal projects aimed at improving water efficiency and reducing losses to be fully co-financed (100%).
The project involved demolishing three old tanks (two with 250 m³ capacity and one with 100 m³) and building two new storage cells of 3,340 m³ each, connected by a control chamber and integrated with the existing pipelines. The reservoir’s total storage capacity has increased from 600 m³ to 6,680 m³, ensuring more than 24 hours of autonomy even in the event of network failures.
The upgraded facility is now equipped with modern monitoring and control systems, including electromagnetic flow meters, ultrasonic and hydrostatic level sensors, floating level switches and pressure transmitters, sodium hypochlorite dosing units and residual chlorine/pH monitoring systems, high-efficiency LED lighting, new pumping systems with updated electrical panels, and an emergency power generator.
According to the municipality, the requalification aims to prevent supply interruptions, which in the past could last up to 12 hours, due to outdated pipelines and limited storage capacity. The local council says the new infrastructure guarantees continued water distribution during repairs or maintenance, avoiding service cuts for residents.
During the inauguration ceremony, Lagoa mayor Luís Encarnação described the project as “a crucial step forward for the municipality’s water efficiency,” highlighting that it not only prevents supply constraints but also reduces water losses.
The council also expressed its gratitude to all technicians, contractors, inspection entities, and partners involved in bringing the project to completion.
