Utility disruption news in Portugal

Cuts are scheduled for several areas of the municipality. Business owners are complaining about the losses and may proceed with claims for compensation.

The Municipal Water and Sanitation Services (Serviços Municipalizados de Água e Saneamento or SMAS) of Almada have implemented nightly water supply cuts between 10 pm and 6 am to stabilize reservoir levels. The Water and Waste Services Regulation Authority (Entidade Reguladora dos Serviços de Águas e Resíduos or ERSAR) confirms that while water may appear whitish due to air in the pipes, it remains safe for human consumption.

Update: New borehole to boost Almada water supply

Almada authorities announced that a new borehole will begin operating this Sunday morning to help reinforce the local water supply. This addition aims to address ongoing shortages that have caused frequent service interruptions across the municipality.

The Almada municipality is facing water supply disruptions, with the Environment Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho suggesting it could take three weeks to stabilize the system. While the mayor denies any area has been without water for more than 24 hours, the municipal water service (Serviços Municipalizados de Água e Saneamento or SMAS) has announced further overnight service interruptions in several localities.

Update: Almada water crisis expected to last weeks

Environment Minister Maria da Graça Carvalho confirmed that full water restoration will take two to three weeks, though a new borehole opening this weekend is expected to boost supply by 20%. Meanwhile, the consumer protection association DECO has demanded compensation for affected residents and businesses, calling for tariff exemptions and extended payment deadlines.

The Water and Waste Services Regulation Authority (Entidade Reguladora dos Serviços de Águas e Resíduos or ERSAR) has demanded explanations from Almada's municipal water services regarding ongoing supply shortages. A major pipe burst has left six areas without running water, exacerbating tensions that led to a petition signed by over 3,000 residents.

Update: Almada water supply restoration continues gradually

Water supply has begun to return to the affected areas following the repair of a burst main, though full normalization is expected to be gradual. The municipality reports that 2026 has seen the highest water consumption in 75 years, with a 4.3% increase in the first half of the year, further straining local reserves.