The Algarve lost 15 million cubic meters of water in its water networks

According to data published today by DECO PROteste, in 2022 the Algarve lost a total of 15 million cubic meters of treated water in its water supply networks – a quantity that would be enough to meet half the needs of Algarve families.

“More than 15 million cubic meters of drinking water leaked from the Algarve’s distribution system in 2022, equivalent to 49% of the water billed to households that year,” the statement said.

According to an analysis in this publication by the Portuguese Consumer Protection Association (DECO), data from 16 municipalities in the region show that half of them recorded high losses that year, and 15 recorded below minimum recovery rates for aging networks.

“Lagoa, Lagos, Silves, São Bras de Alportel, Loule and Castro Marim are among the six largest municipalities in the Algarve that spent the most reclaimed water in 2022. municipalities that less water is wasted,” he points out.

Regarding the state of the networks, DECO PROteste highlights eight municipalities with an aging network (Alezur, Lagoa, Lagos, Loule, Olhão, Portimão, Tavira and Vila do Bispo), two municipalities where data is missing (Silves and São Bras de Alportel) and only one with the latest network (Alkoutim).

According to the National Organization for the Protection of Consumer Rights, responsibility for water losses through the water supply network “lies with business entities that have not invested in rehabilitation or have invested little.”

According to ERSAR guidelines, annual rehabilitation should range from 1.5% to 04% of the aging network.

Data for 2022 also shows that across the continent there was 162 million cubic meters of water that had already been treated and wasted throughout the distribution network.

“The scenario is very alarming,” said Elsa Agante, responsible for sustainable development at DECO Proteste, quoted in the note, saying that the water lost this year would be enough to meet 49% of the needs of families “in a region that is in dire condition.” pressure from tourism and experienced periods of prolonged drought.”

According to the organization, autonomous tariffs should be created for non-residents or abnormal consumption in a region with a high level of secondary housing.

“It is unfair to penalize residents who use wisely throughout the year for price increases associated with high summer demand. In the region with the highest contractual consumption in the country, where there is little rainfall and where demand increases sharply in the summer. “You can’t dump water that doesn’t exist,” concluded the person in charge.