The Baião Municipal Council, in partnership with SIMDOURO S.A., a company belonging to the Águas de Portugal Group responsible for sanitation in Baião, has implemented a process for the production and use of water for reuse (ApR), with the aim of promoting sustainable water resource management and responding to growing demand for water. Baião has thus become one of the first Portuguese municipalities licensed to use this resource.
ApR consists of using wastewater from a Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), which is then subjected to a rigorous treatment and monitoring process that ensures high standards of quality and safety, allowing it to be used for various non-potable purposes in the urban ecosystem. This commitment to reuse is in line with the principles of the circular economy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), while contributing to environmental preservation and water resilience.
This pioneering system was implemented at the Campelo WWTP, representing an investment of €20,700 by SIMDOURO. With a daily production capacity of 20 cubic metres of reusable water, the project will enable the watering of gardens, the cleaning of public spaces and waste containers, as well as the washing of municipal equipment and vehicles.
Environmental and social benefits
Preservation and conservation of water resources;
Reduction in drinking water consumption, especially in situations of scarcity;
Use of an alternative source of water for non-potable uses;
Reuse of nutrients from ApR for irrigation, reducing the need for fertilisers.
Strict treatment and quality control
Water treatment is carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Portuguese Environment Agency and current legislation, ensuring its safe use. SIMDOURO is responsible for a rigorous monitoring and analytical control plan, in which various physical-chemical and bacteriological parameters are regularly assessed.
The implementation of this project was a demanding process, involving several entities and procedures. Started in 2022, it has only now been completed.
Presentation session
The formal handover of the water reuse system took place at the António Mota Municipal Library and was attended by the Mayor, Paulo Pereira, the Chair of the Board of Directors of SIMDOURO, Joana Felício, the Deputy Mayor, Filipe Fonseca, the councillor responsible for the environment, Henrique Gaspar, councillor Paulo Portela, as well as technicians from the City Council and SIMDOURO.
After the session at the library, the delegation travelled to the Campelo WWTP, where the launch of the measure was officially marked. Taking advantage of their presence at the facility, the group also had the opportunity to learn more about how it works. The programme ended with a practical demonstration of the use of ApR, with the local authority teams watering the gardens of the Baião Judicial Court.
Innovative project
The Mayor of Baião, Paulo Pereira, emphasised that ‘this project reflects our determination to find innovative solutions for the responsible management of water resources’. He also stressed that ‘water is an essential and finite resource, so we have a duty to ensure its sustainable use’.
The mayor added that ‘this initiative translates into environmental, social and economic benefits’, emphasising that ‘the implementation of this project was only possible thanks to the cooperation with SIMDOURO and the joint work of the technical teams’.
Joana Felício, representing SIMDOURO, stated that ‘the new system allows for savings in drinking water by using wastewater,’ emphasising that this is ‘an important step towards sustainability, in line with modern environmental protection goals.’ She also added that, in 2026, ‘a major investment by the company will be made in Baião, with the construction of the Mosteirô WWTP, worth 6.8 million euros, which will represent a new generation infrastructure.’
