The city of Benidorm is moving towards more sustainable water cycle management with the implementation of an ambitious Reclaimed Water Master Plan. This initiative, developed in collaboration with Veolia, the service management company in the locality, foresees the creation of a dual distribution infrastructure that will allow the reuse of up to 2 cubic hectometers (Hm³) of water annually for urban uses.
The first works of this project are already nearing completion in the Poniente area. This new urban reclaimed water network is crucial for Marina Baixa, a region suffering from structural water stress and a chronic deficit of resources. Benidorm, as a major tourist driver, consumes nearly 11 Hm³ of drinking water each year, placing considerable pressure on supply sources.
“"This Master Plan is not just a technical document; it is the roadmap that allows Benidorm to transform waste into a resource. At Veolia, we have been working for years to make reclaimed water a daily reality in the city, and this plan consolidates that path with a long-term vision."
Reclaimed water is becoming a fundamental strategic resource to free up drinking water, reduce dependence on external sources such as transfers from the Mutxamel desalination plant, and improve the city's resilience to drought periods. Currently, the Valencian Community leads the utilization of this resource in Spain, with 59% reuse, well above the national average of 14% and the European average of 3%.
The plan, which aligns with the city's Climate Change Plan, foresees that reclaimed water will be used for purposes that do not require drinking water quality. This includes the irrigation of municipal and private green areas, sports facilities such as golf courses, and other urban uses like street cleaning. The network's implementation will be carried out progressively to minimize disruption to local economic activity, with the first phase in Poniente expected to be completed before summer.
“"The action in the Poniente area is the first step of an ambitious city project for the coming years. At Veolia, we contribute all our technical and human capacity to ensure that this network guarantees sustainable long-term supply and decisively contributes to the water security of the entire region, preparing us for tomorrow's challenges."
