In Catalonia, desalination plays a key strategic role in water management, even after having left behind one of the most severe droughts in recent decades. Although the reserves in internal reservoirs have reached a remarkable 80% of their capacity and aquifers have begun to recover, the Government has chosen not to lower its guard against the possibility of repeated episodes of water shortages exacerbated by the effects of climate change.
At present, Catalan desalination plants continue to operate at a high rate, specifically at 75% of its maximum capacity, a figure that exceeds what was planned in the current Special Drought Plan approved in 2020. This policy responds to a long-term vision to anticipate future water crises and reduce dependence on the weather.
Reasons to keep desalination at the forefront
Sources of Catalan Water Agency (ACA) They explain that one of the priority objectives are to preserve the reservoirs and allow the recovery of strategic aquifers such as the Llobregat Delta, which have not yet returned to their optimal levels. Keeping desalination plants running helps prevent the rapid depletion of accumulated reserves, especially during periods of higher consumption in summer.
Furthermore, There is a commitment to reduce dependence on the Ter, Sau and Susqueda reservoirs. to supply Barcelona, ​​which is part of the current agreements between administrations. All of these elements contribute to a water model based on resilience and anticipation of possible droughts.
New infrastructure and future plans
The Catalan Government has set itself the goal of meeting 70% of water demand in five years. can be covered with sources that do not depend on rain. To achieve this, a comprehensive plan will be implemented that includes the expansion of the La Tordera desalination plant (which will begin its works at the end of summer after an agreement with the State) and the creation of a new plant in FoixBoth facilities will be operational during the first half of 2029.
Along with desalination, The plan includes measures such as water regeneration, greater network efficiency and the use of new basins. such as the Besòs, with the aim of increasing the total availability of water resources by 280 cubic hectometres.
This strategy is based on the diagnosis of experts, who warn about the desertification of the Mediterranean region and an expected decline in river flow of up to 20% by 2050.
Social and environmental debate
Not all of society applauds the commitment to desalination as the structural basis of the new water model. Environmental organizations such as Water is Life warn of the high energy consumption and possible increases in water costs, in addition to the environmental impact of brine management. They believe this resource should be used only in emergency situations and suggest limiting its consumption in the sectors primarily responsible for pollution and waste.
The Authorization, however, defends current policy and claims that The cost of desalination is already included in the tariff. In addition, they claim that no significant negative environmental effects have been detectedThe brine is discharged several kilometers offshore under strict controls to minimize impacts on marine ecosystems.
The experience of recent droughts and climate projections reinforce the Catalan executive's conviction that adopting a preventive approach and less dependent on weather conditions It is essential. Desalination is thus consolidated as one of the pillars of the new and ambitious water model in Catalonia.