Portugal's Águas do Alto Alentejo (AAA) is taking a zero-tolerance approach to illegal water use, aiming to eliminate over 100 such instances by 2025. This ambitious goal is part of a broader strategy to combat non-revenue water and improve water efficiency. AAA, serving 10 municipalities in the Portalegre district, has already made significant strides, investing 9.6 million euros in infrastructure and technology. The company's CEO, Rui Choças, highlights the challenge of reducing non-revenue water, which includes clandestine connections and manipulations aimed at reducing recorded consumption. Last year, AAA eliminated 106 illegal situations and replaced 30,000 meters, resulting in a 12% decrease in non-revenue water and a 400,000 cubic meter reduction in water purchases from Águas do Vale do Tejo. With an intermediate target of a 20% reduction by 2030, AAA plans to invest six million euros in a water-efficiency project. The company's ultimate goal is to eradicate illegal practices, achieving zero illegal activity through strict enforcement of regulations. In 2025, AAA carried out 5,125 maintenance works, with a focus on the water supply network. This includes active leak detection, meter replacement, and network registry updates, covering approximately 500 kilometers of the water network. The company's efforts demonstrate a commitment to sustainable water management and a proactive approach to addressing illegal practices, which is crucial for ensuring a reliable and efficient water supply for the region.
