Wells in Portugal

Useful Information

Wells in Portugal were dug traditionally by hand using picks and shovels and do vary in depth depending upon the level of the water table in each individual area.

Wells are lined with either brick or stone to reduce the amounts of contaminants within the water and to also ensure the well does not collapse. Elaborate iron machinery would have been mounted on the large ground opening with winches to lift the water buckets enabling property owners to irrigate their land.

However the nature of these large ground openings of traditional wells mean debris from trees and shrubs tend to drop into and contaminate the water. The openings can also be dangerous to wild animals and young children if they are not clearly marked.

Although well water can appear clear and pure, tiny microbes can be present and it's best to have the water tested for purity if you intending on using it for drinking.

Wells are also great if you are deciding to install a swimming pool as after the initial fill up they will need to be topped up regularly with the natural evaporation.

As of 31st May 2007, it became law to have all wells, boreholes and septic tanks registered with the CCDR (Comissão de Coordenecão e Desenvolvimento Regional). The deadline for this new law (226A 2007) gave the deadline of 31st May 2009 for all of the above to be registered or stiff fines and penalties would be incurred. However due to the lack of advertising and concerted effort to implement this law, the deadline has been extended until 31st May 2010. However to ensure you are not liable for a find for none conformity, you can speak with the CCDR in your region for more clarity.

Forms for the above are available to download on line from the CCDR, however do expect some sort of administration fee, even though the publicity sent out has stated it's free, those who have conformed have been faced with bills of up to 160€.