The Municipal Water and Sanitation Services of Sintra are investing approximately one million euros to improve the efficiency of the water supply network, through the installation and renovation of Pressure Reducing Valves and the creation of Measurement and Control Zones. This investment is part of the strategy to reduce non-revenue water, which represented approximately 18% at the end of 2025, in a municipality whose network extends across almost 1,900 kilometres of pipelines.
A 720 thousand euro contract is underway to install seven new Pressure Reducing Valves and renovate eight others. The new valves will be installed in Aldeia de São Marcos, Cabeço da Fonte, Vila Verde, Belas, Anta, Colaride and Quinta do Mirante, while the renovated ones include those at Magoito I and II, Rodízio, Galamares, Quinta da Samaritana, Olival Santíssimo and Belas Clube de Campo I and II. PRVs allow the control and regulation of water pressure in the network, reducing the risk of bursts, wastage and consumption, which is particularly important in a municipality with steep terrain. The works, which also include the installation of flow meters, are expected to continue until the end of 2027.
SMAS has also recently completed another contract, worth 300 thousand euros, to create eight new Measurement and Control Zones, implemented in Asfamil, Ral/Terrugem, Pedras da Granja Apoiado, Cotão/São Marcos, Casal do Cotão, Serra da Silveira and Ral. The flow meter equipment at Beloura, on Alameda da Fonte Velha, which was out of operation, was also renovated. With these interventions, SMAS now has more than 60 MCZs, which allow the monitoring of the network, identification of water leaks more quickly and limitation of affected areas in case of burst.
The strategy to reduce non-revenue water also includes the rehabilitation of pipelines and service connections, with interventions in Rio de Mouro Velho, in Bairro da Coopalme
