The Government is set to launch the new National Water Plan in January 2026, under the coordination of a forthcoming public company currently being established. This plan, part of the “Water that Unites” strategy, prioritises efficiency in water resource management, explicitly excluding the transfer of water from northern river basins to the southern regions of the country.
The new strategy focuses on improving urban water supply networks and, in particular, modernising public hydro-agricultural systems, where water losses are estimated to range between 10% and 40%. The plan is overseen by a working group led by António Carmona Rodrigues.
Although it rules out large-scale North–South transfers, the plan allows for a limited transfer from the Tagus River, via the Ribeira de Nisa, during years of abundant water availability. It also maintains the current system whereby water from Alqueva is used to supply the Sado basin dams, helping to meet the needs of agriculture in the Alentejo.
To strengthen supply in the Algarve, a new water abstraction project is underway at Pomarão, near the Guadiana River, which will feed into the Odeleite-Beliche system.
The plan aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of water resources, addressing the needs of different regions through more efficient and climate-adapted water management across the national territory.
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