Adaptation and Watering in Green Urban Areas facing Climatic Heat Waves, Drought and Extreme Storms (LIFE AGUA DE PRATA)

The project LIFE AGUA DE PRATA aims to tackle some of the water scarcity challenges faced by the Alentejo region in Portugal by sustainably re-using water from the Graça do Divor wells and springs, which were previously sources for the Roman aqueduct. Using these underground sources will help transform water supply for irrigation and will lead to annual savings of treated surface water of around 120.000 m³. Thus the threat of water shortages for other uses will be reduced.

The project also aims to adapt the aqueduct so it serves as a distribution system able to supply the water needs for around 50% of the town’s green areas. Nature-based solutions and ecosystem approaches will also be applied to these areas to improve their ability to withstand heatwaves and extreme rainfall. Additionally, the project will promote water efficiency and energy-saving measures, including a range of measures for small gardens. The project will contribute to the municipal’s strategy for adaptation to climate change, as well as the EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2020 and the Floods Directive.