In March 2021, Portugal Resident reported that João Pedro Matos Fernandes, Portugal's environment minister, had confirmed higher water charges in the Algarve. They were to cover two schemes in Portugal's Recovery and Resilience Plan: 55 million euros to divert Guadiana river water to the Odeleite dam and 65 million euros to build desalination plants. According to António Pina, head of the AMAL municipal association, the rise would apply only from 2026 and amount to a few cents. Farming and golf were also to contribute.
The report showed the government framing desalination in the Algarve as a hedge against shortage, with costs shared by all user groups through water tariffs. The minister also urged careful study of its environmental impact.
Source: Portugal Resident