"The water management model was worn out; now, we’re committed to sustainability and efficiency"

How would you describe the current situation of water in the Balearic Islands?

We’re having a difficult time, stuck in a cycle of drought that’s been dragging on. The last major drought was in 2016, and before that in 2000-2001, so there was about 15 years in between. Now, it’s been 10 years and we’re already going through a major drought. This is down to, we believe, climate change. Some bodies of water have reached historic lows. The situation is tricky, but under control thanks to the use of non-conventional solutions such as desalination, which is now part of the system.

Are there any areas on alert or that are a cause for concern among citizens?

We use the 2017 drought plan as a monitoring tool, although we’re updating it to include new scarcity indicators, not just rainfall. At the moment, only one demand zone is on alert: Pla de Mallorca. The rest of the region is on pre-alert. Formentera, which depends entirely on desalination, is back to normal. Although we’re at the end of summer—the most critical moment of the water cycle—the situation is under control and we don’t expect any cuts to supply.

What role is the Alcudia desalination plant playing in the Bay of Palma?

We’re prioritising desalination to protect groundwater. Not only do we have the Palma and Andratx plants at 100% capacity, but we’re also running the Alcudia plant at full capacity. Although its capacity is limited (14,000 m³), it serves areas such as Pollença and Platges de Muro, with some of the flow diverted to the south, connecting with the pre-treatment network in Consell to back up supply in the Bay of Palma. These are small quantities, but important for a balanced system.

Which areas are most affected by water stress?

The most affected areas are those without connections to desalination. Pla de Mallorca, for example, is supplied only by groundwater, and suffers from both falling water levels and poor water quality. There we find natural pollutants (chloride) and nitrate pollutants. In the coastal area of Llevant, under severe strain from tourism, the problem is saltwater intrusion. And in the Tramuntana Mountains, which depend on springs, there’s no water supply if it doesn’t rain. Moreover, gypsum rock causes sulphate problems. It’s a complex combination.

How much is climate change affecting water management?

Climate change is already a reality. Temperatures are 1.5 to 2 degrees above the historical average, we see this month by month. This causes a sharp drop in soil humidity and increases the demand for water, especially for irrigation. Moreover, although rainfall is the same volume by year, the form has changed: torrential rains cause runoff and fail to recharge groundwater. It’s not just how much it rains, but how it rains, and that makes water planning difficult.

Has infrastructure fallen short in the face of population and tourism growth?

Yes, there’s been a lack of foresight. The water grids first started being developed in the 1960s with no regard to efficiency, with the assumption that we had plenty of natural resources. It grew out of control, and now we have an outdated infrastructure with lots of wastage. It’s key to invest in upgrades to these grids and also in water treatment, in order to regenerate this water and return it to the cycle. The model must be redefined with ongoing investment that allows us to bring demand into line with natural resources, including the addition of desalination and recycling.

What progress has been made in water reuse?

For the first time, thanks to funding from sustainable tourism tax, a specific plan has been launched. In Ibiza there are projects in Santa Eulària, Sant Antoni, Ses Païsses and Sant Josep; in Menorca in Es Migjorn and Maó-Es Castell; and in Mallorca we are working in Binissalem, improving the recharge basins. Today, in Mallorca we reuse 30–32% of the water; in Ibiza and Menorca only 4%. Agricultural initiatives are also underway, such as the Sa Rota reservoir in Ibiza and projects in Sant Lluís and Ciutadella. But the challenge remains to connect the sewage treatment plants, which are on the coast, to the inland areas that need them most.

What role will digitalisation play in this new water management model?

It’s essential. Knowing the real-time status of groundwater, streams, catchments and consumption allows us to make assessments and plan. All potential waste now becomes reclaimed water, and that’s thanks to having data. This parliamentary term we’ve mobilised €6 million from the Directorate General for digitalisation alone, and together with the local councils we’ll have over €10 million. It’s a clear commitment to efficiency.

Are you optimistic about the future of water on the islands?

Yes, I am. We’ve designed a long-term investment plan. It’s true that projects take time because they have to pass through environmental and technical filters. But we’re seeing a transformation of the model. The previous one was worn out, and now we’re committed to sustainability, efficiency, recycling and desalination. There’s a change in mentality among society: we know that without water, there is no life. And our entire future—social, economic and environmental—depends on protecting this precious resource.