Water Alliance is organising an exclusive water technology mission to Portugal. During this mission, Dutch and Portuguese stakeholders will come together to exchange knowledge, strengthen collaboration, and develop practical solutions to current water challenges.
The mission focuses on strategic asset management, operational efficiency, and digitalisation within urban water systems. Dutch and Portuguese water utilities will share experiences and best practices related to infrastructure management, network optimisation, digital transformation, and future-proof water services.
By connecting utilities, policymakers, system integrators, contractors, and innovative companies, we aim to develop scalable solutions that contribute to European ambitions in climate adaptation, circularity, and efficient water use.
This mission is organised in close cooperation with the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Portugal, the Portuguese Water Partnership, and a local Portuguese consultancy partner. Together, we have developed a high-quality programme that facilitates valuable connections between the Dutch and Portuguese water sectors.
What can you expect?
During this mission, participants will actively engage in knowledge exchange and explore opportunities for future collaboration through:
- Practical presentations from Dutch and Portuguese water utilities on asset management, operational efficiency, and digitalisation
- Insights into infrastructure renewal, network resilience, and integrated performance management
- Interactive breakout sessions exploring shared challenges and innovative solutions
- A site visit to the Fábrica da Água da Guia wastewater treatment plant operated by Águas do Tejo Atlântico
- Direct discussions with Portuguese stakeholders and potential consortium partners
- A focus on the implementation of the new European Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive and water reuse
- Opportunities to develop pilot projects and long-term partnerships
Who should attend?
This mission is intended for Dutch companies, knowledge institutes, utilities, and organisations active in the water technology sector that are interested in collaboration with the Portuguese market.
Programme
Monday, 8 June 2026
Morning Session
Location: Águas de Cascais, Estrada Malveira da Serra 1237, 2750-836 Aldeia de Juso, Portugal
08:30 – 09:00 | Arrival and registration
09:00 – 09:15 | Welcome remarks
- Eng. Carlos Custódio, Managing Director, Águas de Cascais
- H.E. Margriet Leemhuis, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Portugal
09:15 – 09:40 | Keynote address
- Ronald Wielinga, Managing Director, Water Alliance
09:40 – 10:00 | Keynote address
- João Faria Feliciano, President, Portuguese Water Partnership
10:00 – 10:30 | Programme overview and participant introductions
- Facilitated by João Simão Pires, Executive Director, Portuguese Water Partnership
10:30 – 11:15 | Presentation
Bob van Es, Senior Policy Officer, Waterschap Vechtstromen
Best practices and challenges in strategic asset management in the Dutch water sector
- Infrastructure resilience and ageing networks
- Asset rehabilitation and digital asset management
11:15 – 11:30 | Coffee break
11:30 – 12:15 | Presentation
António Pereira, Digital Solution and Innovation Manager, Aquapor Group
Best practices and challenges in optimising operational efficiency in the Portuguese water sector
- Digital transformation and network efficiency
- Integrated performance management systems
12:15 – 13:00 | Discussion and company pitches
Networking Lunch
Location: Casa da Guia, Av. Nossa Senhora do Cabo 101, 2750-374 Cascais
13:00 – 14:15 | Networking lunch
Afternoon Session
Location: Fábrica da Água da Guia (Águas do Tejo Atlântico Wastewater Treatment Plant), Rua do Golfe 4, 2750 Cascais
14:30 – 15:00 | Presentation
Cláudio de Jesus, President, Águas do Tejo Atlântico (to be confirmed)
Challenges arising from the new European Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive and fast-tracking water reuse projects.
15:00 – 16:30 | Breakout sessions
- Water Supply
- Wastewater
16:30 – 17:00 | Summary of breakout sessions and identification of opportunities for collaboration
- Facilitated by Juliette Douglas
17:00 – 17:45 | Site visit and group photograph
Guided tour of the Fábrica da Água da Guia wastewater treatment plant operated by Águas do Tejo Atlântico.
Networking Reception
Location: Furnas do Guincho, Estrada do Guincho, 2750-642 Cascais
18:15 onwards | Networking drinks and tapas
An informal conclusion to the day, providing participants with the opportunity to strengthen connections, continue discussions, and explore future collaboration opportunities between Dutch and Portuguese organisations..
Dutch Participants
The Dutch delegation consists of a diverse group of water utilities, technology providers, engineering consultancies, and knowledge partners:
- Avic BV
- Hulo
- JiTiBa
- NX Filtration
- Redstack
- Royal Eijkelkamp
- Van Remmen UV Technology
- Qua-vac
- Witteveen+Bos
- Waterschap Vechtstromen
