Minister floats using Lisbon's 25 de Abril Bridge to pipe Castelo de Bode water south

Environment and Energy Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho said the 25 de Abril Bridge, or future Tagus crossings, could carry water from the Castelo de Bode reservoir to the river's south bank. She spoke during committee debate on the 2027 state budget. The plan is meant to secure supply for the Setúbal peninsula and other southern areas, including Almada, and could benefit around a million people. It also rests on greater water reuse and on groundwater and surface sources. The government received proposals from EPAL and Águas de Portugal on Monday. The minister cited demand from the planned new airport and expected population growth, and said some northern areas already face shortages.