2005 - 2006 - Pinsent Masons Water Yearbook 2012

PORTUGAL PART 2: COUNTRY ANALYSIS
Portugal
Economics (2003)
GDP per capita US$11,800
GDP per capita (PPP) US$17,710
Agriculture 4%
Industry 29%
Services 68%
Regulation
The 2000-06 Strategic Plan for Public Water and Waste Water Collection and Treatment seeks to
develop the integrated management of coastal areas and water resources. This strategy includes an
inventory of water use and sources of water pollution. A wastewater discharge licensing system has
been established, along with the Water Resources Planning Process covering the River Basin Plans
and the National Water Resources Plan.
Water quality and requirements
Portugal remains an essentially rural economy and this is reflected by the country’s water and
sewerage infrastructure.
River water quality 1990 1993 1996 1999
Unpolluted 0% 0% 0% 0%
Moderate pollution 20% 23% 22% 35%
Critical pollution 26% 29% 42% 38%
Severe pollution 44% 40% 33% 25%
Excessive pollution 10% 8% 3% 2%
There are groundwater problems in the Ave Basin and Aveiro/Estarreja (industrial wastes), North of
Lisbon (agricultural run-offs) and Algarve (salt water intrusion). Approximately 3.8million people live in
areas with water shortfalls, mainly in the Algarve, Lisbon, and Madeira.
Access to piped water
Region 1990 1995 1997 1999
North 65% 70% 71% 78%
Centre 68% 84% 89% 95%
Lisbon & Vale do Tejo 92% 97% 98% 99%
Alentejo 83% 89% 92% 94%
Algarve 82% 82% 88% 91%
Total 77% 84% 86% 90%
Access to sewerage
Region 1990 1995 1997 1999
North 36% 44% 51% 59%
Centre 39% 52% 54% 71%
Lisbon & Vale do Tejo 79% 86% 86% 89%
Alentejo 69% 83% 84% 85%
Algarve 76% 68% 81% 84%
Total 55% 63% 68% 75%
The aim is to have 95% access to piped water by 2006, along with 90% sewerage and wastewater
treatment. By 1999, 93% of the population has piped water, but it is clear that much needs to be done
on sewerage and sewage treatment.
162 Pinsent Masons Water Yearbook 2005 – 2006