In a statement, Águas do Centro Litoral (AdCL) announced that the Monte Real station, located in Várzeas, which pumps effluent to the wastewater treatment plant (ETAR) in Coimbrão, is “temporarily non-operational due to a malfunction in the pumps that are part of the lifting system.”
After identifying the issue late Tuesday morning, “the AdCL technical team immediately went to the facility,” where they began “repair work on the severe malfunction detected inside the pumping station.”
“Given the severity and complexity of these repair works, AdCL is making every effort to ensure a swift resolution to restore normal service at the facility and minimize the environmental impact of the situation,” they stated.
Due to the non-operational status of the pumping station, “an emergency discharge system was activated for the station and the upstream station (Serra de Porto do Urso),” they explained.
“These discharges occur respectively in the Lis River and an adjacent irrigation ditch,” they added, ensuring that the situation has been reported to the Portuguese Environment Agency and the Association of Irrigators of the Vale do Lis.
According to AdCL, “all necessary measures are being taken to resolve this occurrence as quickly as possible.”
The Municipality of Marinha Grande, in a statement, clarified that it is monitoring the situation “in coordination with various competent entities and the Ministry of Environment.”
“As a precaution, and while repairs are underway, the Capitania do Porto da Nazaré has temporarily banned swimming at Praia da Vieira. All activities in the Lis River are also prohibited,” they added.
The Municipality of Leiria, meanwhile, advises against activities in the stretch of the Lis River after Monte Real.
In a social media post, the Municipality states that AdCL “announced a malfunction at the Monte Real pumping station, which prevents the transfer of effluent to the ETAR in Coimbrão.”
“This situation results in emergency discharges into the Lis River,” the post reads, warning that “the river water is not suitable for any use.”
In this respect, the authority recommends avoiding any activities involving the river downstream from Serra de Porto do Urso, including withdrawals for irrigation, swimming, and fishing.
“The municipality is monitoring the situation, maintaining surveillance of the Lis River in coordination with AdCL and local parish councils,” they assured.
Águas do Centro Litoral holds a concession for the operation and management of the Multi-Municipal Water Supply and Sanitation System of the Central Coast of Portugal, valid for 30 years until 2045.
This company was established in 2015 and includes Águas de Portugal, SGPS, SA, and 29 municipalities spread across the districts of Aveiro, Coimbra, Leiria, Porto, and Santarém.
