Campaigners urge Algarve to fix leaks and reuse water before building desalination plant

A coalition of environmental groups, PAS, has told the government that the Algarve should repair leaking networks, reuse wastewater and rein in thirsty farming before committing public money to large water projects. It wants the Albufeira desalination plant scrapped and opposes drawing water from the Guadiana at Pomarão and building the Foupana dam. Its submission comes as Albufeira council halts works on the plant over planning breaches, a move the environment minister disputes. PAS cites losses of about 27% in urban networks, reuse of just 2%, and agriculture taking around 58% of water, and warns that costlier desalinated water could push up bills.