€20 million available for water-saving projects in Algarve

A further €20 million has been made available to support water infrastructure projects across the Algarve as regional authorities continue efforts to improve water efficiency and strengthen resilience to drought.

The funding has been launched through the EU-backed Algarve 2030 regional programme under a call aimed at improving municipal water supply and sanitation systems throughout the region.

With a co-financing rate of 60%, the scheme will support projects that contribute to reducing water losses, modernising infrastructure, expanding water and wastewater networks, increasing the reuse of treated wastewater and improving the Algarve’s ability to cope with prolonged periods of drought.

The latest funding allocation comes on top of the €66 million already committed through the Algarve 2030 programme for water-related investments.

Applications will remain open until February 3, 2027, although the programme may close earlier if the available funds are fully allocated. They are open to municipalities, municipal and intermunicipal utility companies, concessionaires and consortiums of eligible entities working together on joint projects.

Among the priorities identified in the call are improvements to the quality of water bodies, measures to reduce saltwater intrusion in coastal systems, the construction and renaturalisation of stormwater infrastructure, and public awareness campaigns promoting efficient water use.

Water management remains one of the Algarve’s most pressing structural challenges, officials say, particularly as climate change places increasing pressure on regional resources.

According to the team behind Algarve 2030, an average of 30.2% of water distributed through the region’s public supply networks is currently classified as non-revenue water – meaning it is lost through leaks, theft or other inefficiencies before reaching consumers. This exceeds the national target of 25%.

The programme also highlights the need for further investment in wastewater infrastructure and water reuse. Treated wastewater currently accounts for just 3.3% of water reuse in the Algarve, well below the national target of 20% by 2030.

The investments form part of broader national strategies, including the Strategic Plan for Water Supply and Wastewater and Rainwater Management 2030 (PENSAARP 2030) and the government’s “Water that Unites Us” initiative, both of which seek to improve the sustainability and efficiency of Portugal’s water systems.

More information about applications can be found online.

Michael Bruxo

Journalist for the Portugal Resident.