Paiva River

The water quality of the River Paiva is considered one of the best in Europe and the catchment has obvious conservation value. However, the Paiva does suffer from pressures related to recurrent disturbances and human land use such as forest fires, agricultural activities, urbanization and pressures affecting the natural hydromorphological condition and continuity of water bodies. Noted pressures include the invasion of Acacia, clearance of native vegetation and forests for agriculture and urban development but also to supply the pulp and construction industries. Planting of Eucalyptus monocultures and the spread urban areas of have also altered catchment vegetation and land use patterns. The river itself is also affected by the presence of small and larger hydroelectric installations, weirs, the extraction and washing of gravel and sands for aggregate in the construction industry and organic discharge from over capacitated wastewater treatment plants. Rural areas of the Paiva catchment are also subject to abandonment as the younger members of the rural population move to urban areas for employment.