Ambitious Investment to End Water Scarcity
Catalonia is embarking on a €2.3 billion initiative to solve its persistent water shortages by 2040. The regional government, under President Salvador Illa, aims to achieve water security without relying on rainfall. The updated water management strategy, announced last week, seeks to avoid severe scarcity episodes like those Catalonia has experienced over the past four years.
New Desalination Plant and Circular Water Management
A significant portion of the funding will go toward innovative projects, including building a new €200 million desalination plant in Costa Brava. This plant will add to the 12 desalination facilities planned by the previous government, reinforcing the region’s shift from a linear water management model to a circular one. This approach focuses on recycling and reusing water, such as diverting wastewater from the Besòs River to the Llobregat River for treatment and agricultural use.
Addressing Infrastructure and Leaks
The plan also includes significant investments to repair aging infrastructure, particularly the leaky pipes affecting cities like Badalona and Santa Coloma de Gramenet. By addressing these long-term problems, the Catalan government hopes to reduce water waste and ensure a more reliable water supply. This new strategy is part of a broader effort to secure water resources amid an increasingly arid climate future.
Overcoming Drought and Climate Challenges
Earlier this year, Catalonia declared a drought emergency for six million residents, including Barcelona, as reservoirs dipped below 16% capacity. Strict water use restrictions were imposed, but the emergency was lifted in May when levels rose above 20%. Despite this improvement, officials remain cautious, stressing that the region must prepare for ongoing drought conditions exacerbated by climate change.
Aiming for Water Independence
President Illa’s government plans to spend €1 billion more than the previous administration, with a goal of sourcing 70% of the region’s water from non-reservoir sources by 2027, compared to the current 33%. This strategy also introduces new measures, such as transporting treated wastewater, while avoiding fines for municipalities with excessive water consumption. The ultimate aim is to ensure a stable water supply for Catalonia’s future, independent of unpredictable rainfall.
SOURCE: Ref Image from Le Monde
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