Requalified Caravela Fountain Now in Operation
Located at the São João Roundabout, this iconic work of the city of Lagos, which represents the Portuguese Discoveries, has undergone rehabilitation works, including a more sustainable water supply system to prevent water wastage.
The total cost of the intervention on the Caravela Fountain was €79,315 (excluding VAT), and was carried out under the current procedure for the maintenance and cleaning of ornamental fountains in the municipality.
The following works were carried out:
- Replacement of all existing pipes and accessories in both the fountain’s tanks and the pump house, which were in a state of significant degradation, with new stainless steel equipment;
- Repair and replacement of all the damaged electric pumps;
- Cleaning of all lighting spots and replacement with more efficient LED lamps, as well as repositioning and repairing all broken supports;
- Repair of the valves and nozzles of all the existing water jets, including replacing missing ones;
- Renewal and cleaning of the joints of all water jets, as well as the masts that create the “sails” effect;
- Installation of a new water treatment system, including pH and chlorine controllers with a calibrator;
- Painting and repair of all electrical supports, as well as all the existing piping in the pump house.
In consideration of environmental sustainability and the water scarcity issues facing the region, the water supply is now sourced from reused water from the washing of filters at the Municipal Pools, with the necessary connections made.
Also known as “Fonte da Barca,” this is a luminous fountain decorated with water motifs shaped like the sails of the ancient ships used during the Age of Discoveries, the caravels. It represents the role of the city of Lagos during this period, as well as its historical, social, and economic connection to the sea.
