The Environment Minister announced a Special Programme for the Alqueva and Pedrógão reservoirs (PEAAP) to align water uses and environmental protection with current economic realities. Officials say the PEAAP will balance irrigation, tourism and conservation needs while updating management rules for the reservoirs. Landowners, farmers and local businesses in the Alentejo should watch for consultation stages and regulatory changes that could affect water allocations.
New programme to update Alqueva reservoir uses
Saturday, 17 January 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
PEAAP is the Special Programme for the Alqueva and Pedrógão Reservoirs, a government planning process to align environmental protection, water management and the different economic uses around those two reservoirs. Its decisions can change local rules on water allocations, irrigation and environmental restrictions, so farmers, water users and residents in the affected areas should follow the process.
Alqueva is a large dam and reservoir on the Guadiana river in the Alentejo region that created one of the biggest artificial lakes in Portugal, supporting irrigation, hydropower and tourism across southern Portugal. Changes to Alqueva’s water management or planning (like through PEAAP) can directly affect agriculture, local water supply and seasonal tourism in the surrounding municipalities.
