Fire severely damages transformer supplying drinking water to Marina Baixa

After 01:45 this morning a fire broke out at the Algar electrical substation in Marina Baixa, affecting a 10 MW transformer responsible for supplying drinking water to the comarca. The fire also reached nearby installations, causing significant material damage, although no injuries were reported.

The Water Consortium of Marina Baixa has stated that despite the extent of the damage, the drinking water supply is assured in the municipalities that depend on this infrastructure.

Two ways to restore the service

The organisation is considering two alternatives to resolve the fault. The first involves installing a backup transformer, which would require specific coupling work and cable renewal; if this path is taken, the Consortium estimates a minimum service outage of five days. The second option consists of repairing the damaged equipment, for which a minimum timeframe of two months is being considered.

According to the Consortium, both possibilities are being studied in parallel whilst technicians continue to determine the real scope of the damage and its possible effects on the supply to the comarca.