Water tariffs in the Algarve will rise by 15% to 50% from March 2024. Municipalities are required to reduce water consumption by 15%, and fines will be applied for excessive use. The first tier of consumption is exempt from price rises, while the second, third, and fourth tiers will have price increases of 15%, 30%, and up to 50%, respectively. Non-domestic consumption will experience a 15% price hike.
Of the 16 Algarve municipalities, only Silves has expressed its intention not to implement the price increase. Municipalities are already implementing measures such as reducing watering in green spaces, washing streets, and operating fountains for shorter periods. They are also carrying out rehabilitation works on water supply pipelines to reduce water losses.
To save water, one can make small changes in behavior such as minimizing water use in the kitchen and reducing shower time in the bathroom. One can also transform their garden into a sustainable place by watering it at night and turning off the automatic system when it rains.
