In a statement, the municipality indicated that it has adopted a set of 23 measures that aim to respond to the hydrological drought situation in the Algarve region, whose “detailed explanation will be sent to the population with the next water bill”.

The objective “is for everyone to become aware of the seriousness of the situation and adopt appropriate behaviors”, as despite the rain recorded in the last week, the Algarve continues to be in a situation of extreme hydrological drought, “with very low levels of groundwater and surface reserves”, reads the note.

“If there is no effective reduction in consumption, the supply of water to the population and companies will be seriously compromised, with enormous losses for families and the local economy”, warned the mayor of Albufeira, José Carlos Rolo, quoted in note.

Among the measures to promote the reduction of consumption, the municipality will provide “free of charge, an audit and advisory service to the largest water consumers in the municipality”.

The measure, he points out, “aims to raise awareness of the need to replace plants that require high water consumption, with indigenous, Mediterranean plant species that are resilient to climate change”.

The free collaboration project with large consumers, for which technical landscape architecture and municipal irrigation management services will be made available, aims to support hotel units with green spaces and provide diagnosis and advice regarding existing grassy areas on the properties.

“The technical team begins by carrying out an audit of the site, after which it will suggest planting plans, irrigation equipment and species with low water needs, in accordance with the nature and architecture of the garden areas”, highlights the municipality.

The service is free but is subject to prior booking via email at espacosverdes@cm-albufeira.pt