With support from the regional ALGARVE 2030 programme, Algarve Water (Águas do Algarve) is investing €74 million to strengthen the region’s water resilience, modernise supply and sanitation systems, and provide protections to aquatic ecosystems. The initiative, co-financed by European funds, aims to “ensure a more secure, efficient, and sustainable public water service for the Algarve”.
Three projects worth a total of €32 million have already been approved. The remodelling of the Paderne Wastewater Treatment Plant and the Purgatório Pumping System, with an investment of €6.2 million, will improve the treatment of wastewater for around 5,000 residents, meeting stricter discharge standards and protecting local water bodies.
A further €21.8 million is being allocated to strengthen water supply to Loulé, including the construction of intermediate reservoirs (phases II and III). This project will ensure a reliable supply of drinking water to upland communities, reduce network losses, and improve system connectivity.
The third project, valued at €4.5 million, involves creating an integrated smart system to enhance the operational efficiency of the region’s main water supply network. The initiative will deploy digitalisation, automation, and artificial intelligence to support decision-making, optimise resources, and cut energy consumption.
A separate €7.7 million proposal is also under review for the rehabilitation of strategic groundwater sources, as outlined in Resolution of the Council of Ministers No. 26-A/2024. The measure is designed to reinforce the Algarve’s multi-municipal water and sanitation system during periods of drought, helping to prevent supply disruptions.
Águas do Algarve is also preparing four new funding applications, totalling €34 million in additional investment. These include: Strengthening the Barlavento/Sotavento interconnection (€11.5 million); modernising and enhancing the resilience of the regional water network (€5.3 million); upgrading and expanding the Lagoa and Mexilhoeira da Carregação wastewater treatment plants and connecting Algoz to the Albufeira-Poente plant (€15 million); and a solar drying project valued at €2.3 million to promote energy efficiency and circular economy principles.
Through these initiatives, Águas do Algarve is reinforcing its role as a leading public operator in sustainable water management. The company emphasises that each investment represents “a step towards a more resilient and environmentally aware Algarve”.
