Águas de Coimbra, E.M., is using National Water Day, celebrated on October 1st, to shed light on a less visible but vital task for the city's proper functioning: the daily maintenance of infrastructure, with a particular focus on drainage systems. The aim is to prevent blockages and mitigate flood risk.
Throughout the year, a dedicated team of 34 workers from the Infrastructure Directorate carries out maintenance tasks. These include cleaning street drains and clearing blockages in collectors, the underground pipes that transport wastewater and rainwater. Operations are conducted using specialized equipment and two support vehicles, following a rigorous daily schedule.
The company manages over 1,500 street drains, whose maintenance is crucial. Removing debris such as leaves, paper, and stones is essential to ensure rainwater can flow freely through the drainage networks. Even if collectors have available capacity, water can accumulate on the surface if the entry points are blocked.
As the rainier months approach, these actions become particularly relevant. In areas identified as critical during intense rainfall, maintenance efforts are intensified as needed. The fall of leaves in autumn requires close coordination with municipal urban cleaning services, as their frequent removal from public roads prevents them from being washed into rainwater collection points. Some parish councils actively collaborate in this process.
This preventive maintenance complements investments in the construction and modernization of infrastructure. While it does not entirely eliminate the risk of flooding from extreme weather events, it significantly contributes to preserving the drainage capacity of the networks and enhancing urban resilience.
“"When we talk about water, we usually think about the water that reaches our homes. But there is another job, equally important, that happens every day in the streets and underground of the city."
Pedro Geirinhas, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Águas de Coimbra, emphasizes that maintaining water supply, sanitation, and rainwater drainage networks is fundamental to ensuring service quality, preventing problems, and preparing Coimbra for future challenges. "On this National Water Day, we want to highlight this work and, above all, the people who carry it out. Investing in infrastructure is essential, but ensuring its daily maintenance is equally important. Taking care of water also means taking care of our city, and that is a permanent mission."
In parallel, Águas de Coimbra is organizing eight environmental education activities throughout October. Aimed at over 400 children, these initiatives seek to raise awareness about the importance of water and its responsible use. The program begins on National Water Day at EB1 de Cernache and continues with visits to the Coimbra Pumping Station – Carlos Fiolhais Library, EB1 Espírito Santo das Touregas, EB1 de Arzila, Adémia Social Center, EB1 de Sargento-Mor, and EB1 de São Martinho do Bispo. Some of these activities will feature the mascot Plim.
