The project, budgeted at 1,014,000 euro, under the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), aims to “equip the Boavista WWTP [Wastewater Treatment Plant] with infrastructures for the treatment, elevation and conveyance of water for reuse (ApR)”, the company said in a statement.

The work involves the construction of an additional treatment phase, “which allows the disinfection of wastewater”, and the construction of a station for treated wastewater, which will allow the ApR to be conveyed to the delivery point, the note reads.

This project, scheduled for completion in 2024, will allow “the annual use of around 0.5 million cubic metres of surface or groundwater to be replaced with reusable treated water”, specified the company, responsible for supplying fresh water to the 16 municipalities of the Algarve.

Currently, the Boavista WWTP includes biological treatment using activated sludge in a prolonged aeration regime with nitrification/denitrification and biological and chemical removal of phosphorus, preceded by preliminary treatment, which includes mechanical screening, initial elevation and removal of sand and oils and greases, explained Águas do Algarve.

“The investment by the Boavista ApR is therefore justified by the contribution to improving the treatment of urban wastewater for the production of ApR and its distribution, from the Boavista WWTP”, it added.

The company highlights, in a statement, that climate change has caused “a significant reduction in rainfall in many regions”, leading to water scarcity and increased pressure on water resources, “especially in areas where intensive use” of this resource is essential.

Águas do Algarve is, therefore, investing in solutions for the treatment and reuse of wastewater from its Wastewater Treatment Plants, aimed at irrigating golf courses, thus reducing the withdrawal of natural water.

“By promoting the reuse of treated water for irrigating golf courses, Águas do Algarve is taking an important step in mitigating the effects of water scarcity, while also contributing to reducing the consumption of drinking water. The process involves advanced treatment technologies, ensuring that the reused water meets the highest quality standards, without risk to health or the environment”, stresses the company.

In January, the president of Turismo do Algarve told Lusa that four golf courses are currently connected to water production systems for reuse (ApR) and the expectation is that this number will rise to 12 in 2027 and to 32 in 2030.

The production of water for reuse is one of the investment areas foreseen in the Algarve Regional Water Efficiency Plan, in addition to the desalination plant, water collection in Pomarão, in the district of Beja, and the reduction of water losses in the urban sector, with around 260 million euros in funds from the PRR.