---

DGEG joins the APIAM Advisory Council | November 12, 2025

 

The Directorate-General for Energy and Geology (DGEG), represented by Carla Lourenço, Director of Hydrogeological and Geothermal Resources Services, has joined the Advisory Council of Águas Minerais e de Nascente de Portugal (APIAM), recently established.

 

This advisory body aims to promote the active participation of strategic partners in defending and enhancing the sector of natural mineral and spring waters, reinforcing its economic, environmental, and social importance.

 

The Council is composed of individual members and institutions that play a significant role in society. DGEG’s presence ensures an essential technical-scientific contribution, fostering debate, the sharing of best practices, and rigorous analysis of these waters, with a view to their preservation and sustainable valorization.

 

---

DGEG Highlights Natural Mineral and Spring Waters on National Water Day | October 1, 2025

 

National Water Day is celebrated today, October 1, marking the beginning of a new hydrological year.

 

The Directorate-General for Energy and Geology (DGEG), within the scope of its mission, vision, and strategy, commemorates this day by giving special attention to Natural Mineral Waters (NMW) and Spring Waters (SW), highlighting their national significance.

 

Groundwater is a resource of immense economic, social, and political value, whose protection and preservation are essential to ensure its quality and availability.

 

Among these, NMW, which are part of the State’s public domain, stand out for their particular characteristics, such as physicochemical stability and the presence of minerals and other constituents that provide potential health benefits.

 

On the other hand, SW, a geological resource within the private domain, are intended exclusively for bottling, playing a relevant role in this sector.

 

In the NMW sector, tolerance for deviations in physicochemical and microbiological quality is very low, making it essential to use wells with appropriate characteristics that safeguard sustainable resource use and prevent degradation and pollution.

 

Hydromineral aquifer systems are highly specialized environments, containing waters with unique characteristics, which may include microbial species exclusive to these environments, forming their natural microbiome.

 

Understanding an NMW requires knowledge of the aquifer systems and their interdependencies at both regional and local scales: geology, hydrodynamics, hydrogeochemistry, and hydrobiology.

 

NMW are unique resources, and their protection, sustainability, and promotion are of utmost importance. Their exploitation supports the socio-economic development of the territories where they occur, through activities such as bottling, thermal tourism, and geothermal use.

 

More recently, the use of NMW in the cosmetics sector has gained prominence—a rapidly expanding field with potential to extend to dermocosmetic and pharmaceutical products. For this, it remains essential to conduct targeted and thorough research, the need for which is widely recognized.

 

---

Water Festival in Gouveia: Celebrating the Region's Waters | July 4, 2025

 

The Directorate of Hydrogeological and Geothermal Resources (DSRHG) has recently developed a brochure dedicated to the waters of the Gouveia region, highlighting the Natural Mineral Water of Corgas Largas and the Spring Water from Serra da Estrela. This document presents production data and a comprehensive characterization of these waters from physical-chemical, geological, hydrogeological, and natural microbiology perspectives, emphasizing their value and uniqueness.

 

From July 4 to 6, in the heart of the Mountain Village of Aldeias (Gouveia), the Water Festival took place — an event that celebrates these resources through culture, health, gastronomy, and sustainability. With a diverse program, visitors enjoyed traditional music, creative workshops, refreshing hikes, informal talks, and a community dinner.

 

DSRHG joined this celebration, reinforcing the importance of preserving and enhancing these waters, which are an essential part of the region’s identity and way of life.

 

---

Presentation of a New Perspective on Natural Mineral Waters at ThermEcoWat | April 8, 2025

 

The Director of the Hydrogeological and Geothermal Resources Department at the Directorate-General for Energy and Geology (DGEG), Carla Lourenço, participated in the ThermEcoWat project workshop, held from April 8th to 10th at the São Pedro do Sul Thermal Spa. With her presentation entitled "A New Perspective on the Natural Mineral Waters of Mainland Portugal", the strategic potential of Natural Mineral Waters (NMW) was highlighted as a natural resource of public domain and an integral part of the national geological heritage.

 

During the presentation, the importance of in-depth hydrogeological knowledge and continuous monitoring was emphasized as key to ensuring the protection and valorization of these resources. The speaker also underlined the need to integrate NMW into climate change adaptation policies, contributing to the strengthening of the resilience of ecosystems linked to NMW in thermalism.

 

The workshop was part of the European project ThermEcoWat, which aims to promote the environmental, social, and economic sustainability of thermal resorts through the efficient management of water and energy resources.

 

This intervention was recognized by participants as a key contribution to the technical-scientific discussion and to the valorization of hydrogeological resources in mainland Portugal.

 

---

Presence at the XX National Meeting of the College of Geological and Mining Engineering | January 24, 2025

 

From January 24 to 26, 2025, the XX National Meeting of the College of Geological and Mining Engineering took place in Viseu, a key event in the sector that brought together engineers, academics, and specialists to discuss challenges and opportunities in the exploration of geological resources.

 

The Directorate-General for Energy and Geology (DGEG) was represented by Carla Lourenço, Director of the Department of Hydrogeological and Geothermal Resources, who presented the talk "A New Perspective on the Natural Mineral Waters of Mainland Portugal." In her presentation, she highlighted the importance of researching these public-domain geological resources to enhance their management, exploration, and valorization in various applications, including thermalism, bottling, and geothermal energy.

 

The event, held at the Montebelo Viseu Congress Hotel & Spa, featured several technical sessions on topics such as geological resource exploration and prospecting, hydrogeology, safety, environment, and land use planning, among others. Additionally, a technical exhibition space provided an opportunity for knowledge exchange and innovation within the sector.

 

DGEG's participation reaffirms its commitment to the sustainable development of national geological resources, contributing to discussions and the sharing of best practices in this field.

 

---

Ceremony for the Signing of Amendments to Natural Mineral Water Contracts | December 4, 2024

 

As part of the competencies of the DSRHG, regarding the knowledge, conservation, enhancement, and qualification of natural mineral waters and geothermal resources, as stated in Portuguese legislation (Law n.º 54/2015, of June 22) as geological resources under the public domain of the State, 6 amendments to exploitation concession contracts were signed in relation to the monitoring of exploitation activities of these hydromineral resources.

 

The published amendments are available for consultation on the DGEG website, through the following electronic address.

 

The signing of these amendments demonstrates the dynamism of this sector, which continues its path in the management, promotion, and enhancement of natural mineral waters and geothermal resources.

 

---

Partnership with IST to Advance the Study of the Hydrogenome of Natural Mineral Waters | November 15, 2024

 

As part of the Hidrogenoma Project, on November 15, the Directorate of Hydrogeological and Geothermal Resources (DSRHG) established a partnership with Instituto Superior Técnico (IST) to deepen the study of the natural microbiota of Natural Mineral Waters (NMW) in mainland Portugal. This collaboration will involve the IST Laboratory of Analyses (LAIST), whose technical expertise will enable significant advancements in this research.

 

To initiate the joint effort, a mutual agreement was established, ensuring the confidentiality of data and the protection of all existing and future technical and scientific information regarding these hydro-mineral resources.

 

This cooperation agreement aims to enhance knowledge about the natural microbiota of NMW, contributing to the valorization of these geological resources and promoting the sectors they represent: thermalism, bottling, and geothermal energy. The data and results obtained may lead to new applications for NMW and the development of value-added products derived from them.

 

This partnership also invests in academic training, offering a practical environment for developing technical and scientific skills. Master's and doctoral students will have the opportunity to collaborate directly, with the goal of applying new methodologies, ensuring the project's long-term continuity, and raising awareness among students, technicians, and specialists about this subject.

 

---

Participation in the Seminar Series "Great Challenges and Earth's Resources" at IST | November 2, 2024

 

Carla Lourenço, Director of the Department of Hydrogeological and Geothermal Resources (DSRHG), gave a lecture at the Instituto Superior Técnico (IST) as part of the seminar series of the curricular course "Great Challenges and Earth's Resources," within the Bachelor's degree in Mining and Energy Resources Engineering. The lecture, entitled "The Potential of Hydro-mineral and Geothermal Resources of Mainland Portugal," covered the multiple roles of Natural Mineral Waters (NMW) and Geothermal Resources (GR), and their importance as strategic and vital geological resources for society.

 

The students' interest in the topic was evident, and the lecture ended with an interactive debate where various issues were discussed regarding the utilization and management of NMW and GR, as well as the evolution of knowledge about these resources, including the research projects currently being developed at DSRHG.

 

---

Participation in the 60th Anniversary Congress of APIAM | March 22, 2024

 

On World Water Day, celebrated on March 22nd, the DSRHG participated in the congress organized by APIAM at the Monsanto Forest Park in Lisbon to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the association. Carla Lourenço, Director of Services at DSRHG, delivered a presentation titled "Original Purity: Protection and Sustainability" on natural mineral waters (NMW) and spring waters as national geological resources. She distinguished both resources in terms of their characteristics, potential, and management, emphasizing DGEG's role in preserving these resources to ensure sustainable exploitation across the various sectors they represent, including bottling. She highlighted DGEG's continued investment in innovative projects that deepen the understanding of these waters as a "unified whole".

 

The congress also addressed other topics, such as the health benefits of these waters, current packaging and its sustainability, the geological characteristics of Portuguese NMW, and included an exhibition and tasting of various waters. The event concluded with a round table discussion featuring several companies affiliated with APIAM, offering the audience a moment of debate and reflection on current challenges and future perspectives for the sector.

 

The DSRHG's participation reinforced its commitment to the valorization, promotion, and responsible management of these waters, recognizing that events like this provide a vital platform to share knowledge, exchange experiences, and strengthen partnerships in the interest of preserving these resources and promoting the country's business sector.

 

---

First installation of the new online monitoring equipment | January 19, 2024

 

On January 19, the DSRHG oversaw the first installation of the online monitoring equipment for the Hidromonitor Project at one of the Natural Mineral Water (NMW) abstraction points in the Leiria district.

 

The implementation of this remote monitoring system, aligned with the strategic direction and operational management of national hydro-mineral resources, aims to control and monitor both the quality and quantity of water extracted at each abstraction point within the concessions.

 

The system will allow for real-time data collection from all NMW abstraction points, accessible to both the DGEG and the concessionaire through an intuitive software application with numerous features, including alert management and historical data analysis of various parameters. This will contribute to the faster detection and resolution of issues, optimize resource exploitation, and ensure more effective monitoring.

 

This first installation of the equipment and its field connections marked a significant step forward for the project, serving as the starting point for subsequent installations after connection tests and regular monitoring at this site. The positive impact of this initiative will enhance the sustainable management of hydro-mineral resources.

 

2023 XIV Congress of the Portuguese Society of Medical Hydrology | Termas da Piedade | November 11, 2023 | participation in session III - Hydrology/Natural Mineral Waters (NMW) with presentations by Carla Lourenço, Rita Pascoal and Carla Midões.
	2023 Termas de Portugal Congress| Caldas da Rainha| 19th and 20th October 2023 | participation in the round table panel Natural Mineral Water, Sustainability, Energy Efficiency, Geothermal Energy by Carla Lourenço and Luís Duarte Silva.
2023 Technical Seminar | ATP - DGEG - DGS | Hotel Olissippo Marquês de Sá, Lisbon | March 30, 2023 - presentations Management and Valorization of Natural Mineral Waters - Transforming data into knowledgeby Carla Lourenço and Rita Pascoal; Management of Waters Platforms and Hidromonitor - Decision Support Tools by Luís Duarte Silva.
	2022 International Congress of Thermal Tourism (Termatália 2022) | Ourense | September 27-29, 2022 - presentation Transforming Data into Knowledge at DGEG to valorize thermal tourism by Rita Pascoal and Carla Lourenço.
2021 Ceremony notice 04.1/2018 Fundo de Apoio à inovação (FAI) | São Pedro do Sul | December 17, 2021 - presentation Evaluation of the Potential for Exploitation of Hydromineral and Geothermal Resources at temperatures above 25ºC by Carla Lourenço.
	2021 Aquaforum Congress - European Mineral Water Research, Innovation and Valorization Forum'21 | Chaves | June 18, 2021 - presentation Transforming Mineral Water Data into Knowledge at DGEG by Carla Lourenço and Rita Pascoal. (Program)
2021 Webinar promoted by the South Regional Council of the College of Geological and Mining Engineers | via the Zoom plataform| May 6, 2021 - presentation Hydrogenome - the awakening of the knowledge of natural mineral waters by Carla Lourenço. Video of Webinar available here.
	2020 Seminar of the Post-graduation course in Hydrogeology and Climate | Aqua Village Health Resort & Spa at Caldas de São Paulo (Oliveira do Hospital)| October 10, 2020 - presentation Natural Mineral Waters: from Knowledge to Management, Exploration and Valorization by Carla Lourenço.  (Program)
2019 International Congress of Thermalism | Chaves | November 14 and 15, 2019 - presentation Natural Mineral Waters - from Knowledge to Management, Exploration and Valorization by Carla Lourenço.
	2017 Conference of APRH "Natural Mineral Waters and Territorial Planning | Caldas da Rainha | May 18, 2017 - presentation Perimeters for the Protection of Natural Mineral Waters by Teresa A. Cunha.