Valencia Launches €120M Water Security Plan After Recent Crises
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By Anya Sharma | VALENCIA – 2025/09/11 11:25:08
The city aims too become Europe’s first major metropolis self-sufficient in drinking water during emergencies.
In the wake of a destructive storm nearly a year ago and a recent widespread blackout across the Iberian peninsula, Valencia’s Mayor, María José Catalá, has announced a €120 million critical water infrastructure plan for 2026-2031. The initiative seeks to guarantee the Valencian capital’s water supply during future emergencies.
The plan aims to transform Valencia into “the first big city in all of Europe” to achieve self-sufficiency in drinking water during critical or emergency situations, according to Mayor Catalá.
The primary goal is to secure a minimum 48-hour water supply during crises. Afterward,the city intends to produce its own drinking water using its significant aquifer,which holds an estimated 2,500 cubic hectometers of water.
the thorough plan includes the construction of four new municipal wells and four water treatment plants within the city limits. These facilities will purify water from the aquifer specifically during emergencies. Additionally,the city will acquire “electrogen macrogrupos” (large generator sets) to ensure the continued operation of water treatment plants during blackouts.
During a debate on the city’s condition following a storm that claimed 16 lives last October, Catalá emphasized that security would be a top priority. “Security is the word of this political course; life has taken us along this path, and I think it is indeed a responsibility of long lights, with a broad look of this City Council,” she stated.
The mayor acknowledged that the storm and blackout “showed the fragility that we have in certain issues” regarding “basic supplies such as drinking water.” Despite assurances during the storm that there was no supply risk despite the Júcar-Turia channel shutdown, Catalá recognized the danger posed by the blackout, attributing responsibility to the central government.
“Security is the word of this political course; life has taken us along this path…” – María José Catalá, Mayor of valencia
According to María José Catalá, the “shielded water supply” plan aims to guarantee water for all residents.
Frequently asked questions
- Why is Valencia investing in water security?
- To ensure a reliable water supply during emergencies and reduce vulnerability to natural disasters and infrastructure failures.
- What are the main components of the water security plan?
- Construction of new wells and water treatment plants, and acquisition of backup generators.
- How will the plan benefit Valencia residents?
- By guaranteeing access to drinking water during crises and improving the city’s overall resilience.
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