Speaking to Lusa, Susana Correia, from DECO Algarve, argued that local authorities should find financing formulas to support the acquisition of equipment that favours the reduction of consumption, instead of focusing on tariff increases - as initially announced -, which would increase the economic difficulties that people already feel.

Stressing that DECO is in favour and considers it necessary to introduce measures to save water resources that are in a situation of scarcity due to the drought in the Algarve, the person responsible highlighted the importance of consumers having access to equipment that allows them to increase savings and monitor their consumption at home.

“Saving water should not weigh heavily on consumers’ pockets. Many measures have been discussed, and consumers have been asked to turn off the taps. Every now and then we hear about the possibility of increasing water tariffs, but DECO understands that this should not be the way to go for now”.

The lawyer warned that “consumers have no way of becoming more efficient in the use of water in their homes” and, on the occasion of Consumer Month, which takes place in March, DECO “makes it a priority to ensure that no one should be left behind” in the fight against water scarcity.

“And, to this end, we are appealing to Algarve municipalities and the Intermunicipal Community [AMAL], to create support lines or promote collective purchases specifically aimed at purchasing equipment, devices, solutions that allow consumers to use water in their homes more efficiently, monitor consumption and also store rainwater”.

Susana Correia said it was necessary, “in addition to asking families to save water”, that “savings could be made on families’ wallets” and they could make “a real contribution” to reducing water consumption in the region.

“What we propose is, effectively, to launch the debate and open a door for discussion here. What we understand is that it is possible to do this with funds, it is possible to look for funds”, considered Susana Correia.

“We can buy and have affordable equipment such as, for example, flow reducers, more efficient taps, more efficient showers”, highlighting that the most efficient washing machines consume 50 litres per wash and the oldest ones can reach up to 200.