New service regulation approved for regional irrigation managed by ARM

Ordinance No. 199/2026 has been published, approving the new service regulation for the irrigation of the multi-municipal water and waste system in the Autonomous Region of Madeira. This document establishes the rules for the operation, management, and distribution of irrigation water, aiming for efficiency and transparency in the relationship between the managing entity, ARM - Águas e Resíduos da Madeira, S.A., and the users.

Main aspects of the regulation:

• Geographic Scope: Covers nine distribution systems, including the irrigation systems of Funchal (H01), Câmara de Lobos-Ribeira Brava (H02), Calheta-Ponta do Sol (H03), Calheta (H04), São Vicente-Santana (H05), Santana-Machico (H06), Machico (H07), Santa Cruz-Funchal (H08), and the Porto Santo supply network (B02).
• Rights and Duties: Defines the obligations of users, including the maintenance of private networks and compliance with irrigation schedules, as well as the responsibilities of ARM, S.A. in the conservation of public infrastructure.
• Contract Management: Establishes procedures for the conclusion, suspension, and termination of supply contracts, as well as rules for updating ownership and increasing flow rates.
• Infrastructure Protection: Reinforces the need for prior approval from ARM, S.A. for any intervention or work that may interfere with the public irrigation network, ensuring the integrity of canals and reservoirs.

The regulation enters into force the day after its publication and applies to all existing contracts and those to be concluded.