The Vilamoura Water Reuse Plant (ApR) was officially inaugurated today, marking another step in the Algarve's efforts to improve the region’s water resilience in the face of recurring drought periods in recent years. The facility will supply treated water for irrigating gardens, golf courses, and agricultural land, whilst also being equipped to contribute to the region's public water supply.
Speaking at the inauguration, Portugal's Minister for the Environment and Energy, Maria da Graça Carvalho, said that although the recycled water is currently intended for non-drinkable uses, the plant has been designed to produce water suitable for human consumption should the need arise.
"It is prepared for drinking water standards," she said, adding that such use "is not necessary at the moment."
The minister also announced the launch of a pilot project to assess the use of reclaimed water in agriculture, describing the initiative as "a major step forward" in the sustainable management of water resources.
Carvalho also addressed progress on the controversial Algarve desalination plant, a project that has faced legal challenges from environmental campaigners and criticism from Albufeira Mayor Rui Cristina.
She said construction was proceeding as planned following court authorisation, adding that the project had undergone a rigorous environmental assessment carried out by the Portuguese Environment Agency.
"The Environmental Impact Assessment was conducted to a very high standard," the minister said.
Carvalho revealed that a monitoring committee had been established, following a proposal by the Mayor of Albufeira. The committee includes the mayors of Albufeira and Loulé, representatives of local fishing associations, parish councils, and other stakeholders.
Its role will be to oversee the progress of the works and ensure the implementation of environmental mitigation measures, including monitoring the offshore pipeline used to disperse the concentrated brine produced during the desalination process.
The €107.92 million project has been awarded to a Portuguese-Spanish consortium comprising Aquapor, which operates 11 water and wastewater concessions across Portugal, and Spain's GS Inima Group.
Approximately €56 million of the investment is being funded through Portugal's Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR). Once operational, the desalination plant will initially produce up to 16 million cubic metres of drinking water annually from seawater, with the capacity to expand to 24 million cubic metres in a later phase.
Source: LUSA
Photo credit: Luís Forra / LUSA
