The Regional Directorate for Energy, Environment and Tourism announced that the Government published today the ordinance approving the Programme to Support the Acquisition of Flow Metres, which will contribute to the reinforcement of service quality indicators, namely with regard to water balance.
 
"It will allocate 360 thousand Euros, distributed over a period of three years, to municipality for the acquisition of flow metres. The purpose of these devices is to determine the volume of water supplied for distribution, as provided by the Quality Indicators Systems published by ERSARA," said Marta Guerreiro.
 
The Regional Secretary spoke at the end of a visit to a water collection borehole in the municipality of Lagoa, stressing the need for a conscious and sustainable use of water, as it happens in the municipality located on São Miguel Island.
 
Flow metres are devices installed at the exit of boreholes or reservoirs that "allow to determine the so-called water balance, which is no more than the difference between the values of water collected and those regarding the water that is actually supplied," said Marta Guerreiro. She added that the values of water supplied are measured by water metres installed in dwellings and business establishments, which "allow us to know what losses might occur in the distribution system."
 
The Secretary for the Environment pointed out that "all devices that regulate the supply of water to the population are indispensable to have an accurate perception of the use if this essential resource and its needs, always safeguarding its sustainable consumption."
 
Currently, water balance is the most used method in the analysis of all the components that make up the water system, namely in terms of consumption and losses. It provides managing entities with the possibility to control the volume of water collected, supplied and lost in the distribution system.
 
"At a time when the value of water is increasing, not only economically but also as a fundamental resource for the well-being of the population, it is fundamental to safeguard its use. In this regard, consumers should adopt good practices for an efficient use of this resource and local authorities should also provide their contribution," noted Marta Guerreiro.