LOULÉ, July 9, 2026 – In a significant move for environmental sustainability, the Minister of Environment and Energy, Maria da Graça Carvalho, presided over the inauguration of the new Water Reuse Station (ApR) at the Vilamoura Wastewater Treatment Plant (ETAR) this Wednesday. Representing a €14 million investment funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR), the facility is now the largest of its kind in Europe.
Transforming Wastewater into a Vital Resource
This structural project is designed to address the Algarve’s pressing water scarcity and the demands of seasonal tourism. The system features advanced treatment technology and a 12-kilometre distribution network capable of channeling high-quality treated water to local landmarks.
The primary beneficiaries include:
Five Major Golf Courses: Old Course, Pinhal, Laguna, Millennium, and Victoria.
Local Agriculture: A new pilot project will explore the use of reclaimed water for farming.
Public Infrastructure: Green spaces and public gardens across the municipality.
Massive Impact: Saving Water for 50,000 Families
The efficiency of the new station is unprecedented. Producing 1,000 cubic metres of water per hour, the facility’s annual output is equivalent to the drinking water consumption of nearly 50,000 families. By substituting potable water with treated wastewater for irrigation, Loulé is significantly reducing the strain on the region’s drinking water reserves.
Uncompromising Quality and Safety
The water produced is certified as “Class A,“ ensuring it is safe for direct human contact and suitable for use in public spaces at any time. Minister Carvalho further highlighted the facility’s sophistication, noting that the infrastructure is already technically prepared for human consumption, though such use is not currently required.
Telmo Pinto, President of the Loulé Municipality, emphasized the local priority: “We are no longer using drinking water to irrigate golf courses and gardens. Water is a priority for us, it is important for everyone, and we will continue to preserve it.
