Irrigation system investment to save 19 million cubic metres of water in the Algarve

By Kate Sreenarong , in News, Algarve · 07 Sep 2026, 19:03 · 0 Comments As reported by Jornal do Algarve, the works could eventually cut losses by as much as 60 percent, equivalent to around 19 million cubic metres of water a year, which could generate estimated annual savings of approximately €2 million. José Manuel Fernandes, Agriculture and Maritime Affairs Minister, who visited the project on Friday, 28 August, outlined the Government's design for the irrigation system and confirmed that a second, much larger phase is being planned. New reservoir The initial stage includes a new reservoir, pumping station and filtration facility, alongside improvements to roughly two kilometres of the main conveyance canal. Rather than replacing the existing structure entirely, enclosed pipelines are being installed within the canal to modernise the system while using the existing infrastructure. This project also involves the introduction of photovoltaic panels to help supply electricity to the pumping station, aiming to reduce the cost and energy consumption associated with moving water through the network. Fernandes said the investment was intended to address losses across the distribution system while ensuring that more of the available water reaches farms. The minister also announced that the second phase has an estimated price tag of around €40 million, but details of when that work will begin have not yet been established, and no funding arrangements have been confirmed. Modern requirements The Alvor scheme is supplied by the Bravura Dam, which was built in 1958. When the irrigation system was originally established, it was designed to cover approximately 1,800 hectares and serve hundreds of agricultural beneficiaries. Almost 70 years later, the authorities say the infrastructure needs to be brought into line with modern requirements, particularly as pressure grows to use water and energy more efficiently as well as reduce environmental impacts. This Alvor-Bravura project is being carried out as part of the Government's 'Water that Unites' strategy, which seeks to balance water needs across households, farming, industry, tourism, the environment and civil protection. During the visit, Fernandes argued that spending money on projects designed to reduce water consumption should be regarded as an investment rather than simply a public expense. He also defended farmers against criticism over water use, saying they should not be treated as responsible for the region's water challenges and highlighting their role in improving irrigation efficiency. The minister's visit was attended by José Apolinário, president of the Algarve Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDR Algarve), and vice-president Fernando Severino, along with director-general of the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development José Eduardo Reis, as well as Portimão mayor Álvaro Bila, Lagos mayor Hugo Pereira, MP Cristóvão Norte and Joaquim Messias Calado, president of the Alvor Irrigators and Beneficiaries Association.