A local group in Mértola Alentejo has started a legal battle against a large water project near the Guadiana River. The project plans to move water to the Algarve to help with droughts. The group Amigos da Formôa wants the project stopped. They call it dangerous for the environment and local people.
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Why Alentejo Challenges Pomarão Water Project
The association filed its lawsuit on November 25 at the Administrative and Tax Court of Beja. They believe the Environmental Impact Declaration (DIA) for the project should be canceled. The project risks serious harm to the Guadiana River and the nearby Pomarão area according to the group
The project is managed by Águas do Algarve which is a public water company. It is part of the Algarve’s Regional Water Efficiency Plan which aims to solve the water shortages in that region.
Issues With Pomarão Water Project
The project involves taking water from the estuarine area of the Guadiana River near Pomarão. This water will then be transported to the Odeleite reservoir in Castro Marim. This reservoir is part of the Beliche-Odeleite water system which provides water to much of the Algarve.
The Algarve has struggled with drought for years and the project is meant to improve water supply in the region. However, Amigos da Formôa has raised strong objections. The association says the project is senseless and harmful.
Amigos said:
The project is highly damaging to the municipality of Mértola and the Guadiana River, especially the Pomarão area and the community of Formôa
Water Shortage Worries And Ignore Local Communities
One major concern is that there might not be enough water in the Guadiana River. The group says the project uses outdated data and ignores other available water sources such as the Alqueva-Pedrógão system.
The association stated:
In essence, this could be a water extraction project where there is no water to extract, making it highly irresponsible
They called the plan irresponsible and warned it could worsen the river’s condition.
The Guadiana River has faced many challenges which include reduced water levels and increased salinity. These problems have been caused by human activity and climate change.
Another criticism is that the project ignored the voices of people living in Mértola the municipality most affected by it. The group says the project’s location was chosen before the public consultation process began.
The group added:
When the project was put out for public consultation, one of the key factors determining its approval or rejection, its location had already been decided.
The village of Formôa located near Pomarão is especially affected. Amigos da Formôa was named after this village. The association argues that the project threatens the area’s way of life and shows no respect for local concerns.
Damage To Biodiversity
The association is also worried about harm to the environment. The Environmental Impact Study admits the project will lead to serious damage.
This includes loss of biodiversity and threats to endangered species like the saramugo (Spanish minnow carp). It will also increase salinity in the river which will harm wildlife and farming.
They said in a statement:
The Environmental Impact Study itself admits that it will destroy biodiversity, threaten species on the brink of extinction – such as the saramugo (Anaecypris hispanica), or Spanish minnow carp in English – and increase salinity intrusion, among other irreversible and unmitigable damages that the DIA fails to address
The saramugo is a critically endangered fish found only in parts of the Iberian Peninsula. The association warns that the project could drive the species closer to extinction
Legal Action Against The Project
Amigos da Formôa wants the DIA canceled. They believe this will stop the project and protect the Guadiana River from further harm.
Their lawsuit comes shortly after a key agreement between Portugal and Spain. During the 35th Iberian Summit in October, the two countries agreed on an annual maximum extraction of 30 cubic hectometres from Pomarão for the Algarve. The group doubts whether the river can support this amount.
This legal case highlights the challenge of balancing water needs with environmental protection. The Algarve’s drought is a real problem but critics argue that the Pomarão project may not be the best solution.
The association says better use of existing water resources should be considered first. They suggest investing in technologies to save water instead of building projects that harm ecosystems and communities.
The group also wants more involvement from local communities in decision-making. They believe that including their voices would lead to better and fairer solutions.
The court’s decision will have a big impact on water management in Portugal. If Amigos da Formôa wins then Águas do Algarve may have to change its plans or find other ways to solve the Algarve’s water problems.
For now, the people of Mértola and Formôa remain firm in their opposition. They hope their efforts will protect the Guadiana River and show that environmental and community concerns matter.
