Summary
Details
- Portugal
Legally binding for:
Wastewater treatment operators producing ApR.
Users and operators distributing reclaimed water under authorised schemes.
Applies to defined reuse contexts; potable water supply is outside the ApR purpose.
Specific uses may be prohibited or restricted if health or environmental protection cannot be ensured (risk-based).
Deep dive
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What’s Required
Portugal established a dedicated legal regime for producing and using reclaimed water (“Água para Reutilização”, ApR) obtained from wastewater treatment.
Key requirements include:
Decree-Law 119/2019 sets the legal regime for producing water for reuse (ApR) from treated wastewater and governs its use to prevent harmful effects on health and the environment.
Requires appropriate control of reclaimed water quality and risk management aligned with permitted end uses (for example, irrigation, urban uses, industry, landscape).
Establishes the framework for authorising production and use, typically linking to water resource licensing and oversight by competent authorities.
Important Deadlines
Before supply/use: authorisations and compliance conditions must be met (project-driven).
Continuous: monitoring, quality, and operational controls throughout production and distribution.
Current Status
In force since 2019 as Portugal’s baseline reclaimed water legal regime.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Administrative enforcement for operating without authorisation, failing monitoring duties, or supplying reclaimed water that does not meet required conditions.
Suspension orders and corrective requirements where public health or environmental risk is identified.
Examples of Known Violations
Reclaimed water is supplied or used without the proper authorization.
Inadequate monitoring and risk controls create exposure under public health and environmental enforcement pathways.
Resources
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