The Balearic Islands Makes Progress in the Reuse of Treated Water

The plan includes improvements to wastewater treatment plants, smart irrigation and environmental measures on several islands

What does it consist of?

The Balearic Government is starting works to expand the use of recycled water in Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Santa Eularia. The aim is to reduce pressure on groundwater by reusing treated water for irrigation, urban uses and environmental restoration.

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Data

PROJECT TITLE IN THE CALL
Agreement to promote re-use practices
LOCATION
Mallorca, Minorca, Ibiza, Formentera
Entity submitting the PROJECT
Conselleria de la Mar i del Cicle de l'aigua
Entity that executes the project
Direcció General Recursos Hídrics
Project code
ITS2425-128
Total project amount
4.414.201 €
ITS granted amount
4.414.201 €
Executed amount
0 €
Call year
2024-2025
Execution status
Started
Purpose
Environment
Budget execution
Executed: 0%
Last data request
23.07.2026

The project

The dry climate and the increasing water demand are causing structural pressure on groundwater resources in the Balearic Islands. More than half of the aquifers are overexploited or of poor quality. To tackle this situation, the Balearic Government is backing a strategy titled ‘Pacte per l'impuls de la reutilització’, which seeks to recycle treated water and put it to alternative uses.

The planned works include the ecological restoration of evapotranspiration basins at the Binissalem WWTP, improvements to the recycled water system in Sa Coma (Sant Llorenç des Cardassar) and the installation of a new plant for urban irrigation in Santa Eulària des Riu. Water reuse plans will also be drawn up and carried out at several facilities in Menorca and Ibiza.

Moreover, the plan will see the installation of smart irrigation systems connected to the recycled water network in Sant Llorenç, which will be part of a digital platform run by the Island Council. These technological solutions will optimise consumption in municipal parks and gardens, avoiding the use of drinking water to irrigate green spaces.

With a total investment of more than €4.4 million, this roadmap is in line with the Balearic Islands’ water transition strategy. Reusing water not only reduces pressure on groundwater, but also improves environmental management, boosts resilience to drought and provides tools for a more sustainable tourism model.