Aquimed

The 318 km2 Querença-Silves Aquifer is considered the most important aquifer system of the Algarve Region in the South of Portugal. This aquifer is located in one of the most touristic seaside resorts in Portugal, where the population increases tenfold in the summer months. Besides supplying hotels, holiday houses and golf courses, this aquifer also supplies farmers (mainly for citrus production) and some industries. In the summer of 2005 (the worst in the last 40 years), the extreme drought Portugal was going through brought this aquifer to record lowest recharge levels. Authorities took several measures such as restricting water withdrawal to 50% and resorting to other water supply solutions. Scheduled increases in groundwater demand for domestic and tourism purposes call for planning of groundwater uses. The Algarve Water District Administration initiated a participatory process to define a plan for conjunctive use of surface and groundwater resources in the region.