Mineral water exploration and exploitation at the Portuguese Hercynian Massif

Abstract

The thermal baths and bottled water industry are highly related to the hydrogeology of hard rocks in Portugal. In the last 15 years, almost all classical dug wells or simple spring arrangements were replaced by drilled wells. The completion of these new wells was normally preceded by geological, geophysical, and hydrogeological surveys as well as by exploration and observation wells. A step-by-step approach resulted in a positive well location in most sites. Some small-scale, low-enthalpy geothermal projects are in operation in some locations.