José Furtado, the president of Águas de Portugal, has made it clear that wasting water will not be tolerated and those responsible will face consequences. However, he assured the public that there will be an adequate supply of water available in the taps throughout this year. Speaking in an interview with Antena 1 and Jornal de Negócios, Furtado acknowledged that the water situation in 2022 was much more critical, but based on the current information, there is no reason to expect a water shortage.

Furtado emphasized the importance of implementing contingency measures and raising public awareness to combat water waste. He suggested that revising water tariffs could play a significant role in encouraging more responsible water consumption habits among the population. By making the cost of excessive water usage more significant, Furtado believes that people will be incentivized to conserve water and use it more efficiently.

Drawing a parallel to the impact of plastic bag usage, Furtado stressed that water is a scarce resource that should not be taken for granted. Just as the use of plastic bags has had negative consequences for the environment, he believes that wasteful water practices should be treated similarly. Furtado argued for the implementation of positive discrimination, where certain population segments may receive preferential treatment or incentives to promote water conservation.

In summary, Furtado’s remarks highlight the commitment of Águas de Portugal to address water waste and ensure a consistent water supply. By raising awareness, implementing measures, and considering tariff adjustments, the aim is to change behaviors and promote a more responsible approach to water usage in the country.

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