Catalonia has launched a new phase of its water reform that could change the daily lives of millions in the region. After a prolonged drought that brought reservoir levels to critical lows, authorities decided not to repeat past mistakes and began rolling out long-term solutions. The focus now is on developing alternative water sources to avoid dependency on weather fluctuations and prevent future water crises.
As El Pais reports, the Catalan government has approved a draft bill to transition to a new water policy. This move paves the way for a legal framework that will boost non-conventional water resources to 70% by 2030. In another drought, the region could count on an additional 280 cubic hectometers of water, significantly reducing the risk of supply disruptions.
Investment and infrastructure
The plan calls for large-scale investment—up to €2.3 billion by 2030. Most of this funding will go to building and upgrading desalination and water reuse facilities. Key projects include expanding the La Tordera desalination plant and constructing new stations in La Muga and Foix. However, some project timelines have already shifted: the upgraded La Tordera facility is now expected no earlier than 2030, and La Muga may only be operational by 2032.
Despite delays, authorities are confident that funding will not be an obstacle. The projects are supported by the European Investment Bank, and returns are planned through water tariffs. This approach ensures independence from budget constraints, which is especially important in times of economic instability.
Water reuse
The second pillar of the reform focuses on developing water reuse systems. The plans include building two new stations on the Besòs River, which will treat and return water to the river for further use. By 2040, the region aims to reach 245 hectometres cubed of reused water. The question of merging the Llobregat and Besòs water systems remains open, but discussions about this idea may begin during work on the new law.
The situation is more complex at the municipal level. Out of nearly 830 projects for repairing and upgrading water pipelines, just over 10% have been completed, and about 40% are in the approval or design stage. Authorities attribute this to limited resources in local administrations but hope the process will speed up without further delays.
Challenges and expectations
The water supply reform in Catalonia was shaped by lessons from previous years, when major infrastructure projects were postponed after heavy rains and the region was left vulnerable to droughts once again. Now, the focus is on long-term sustainability and reducing dependence on natural factors. According to russpain.com, such measures could serve as an example for other regions in Spain, where water scarcity is also a pressing issue.
Catalan authorities have previously faced the need to take emergency action in other areas as well. For instance, regional officials recently announced a large-scale campaign to reduce the wild boar population because of the threat of African swine fever, a topic covered in detail in the article on new measures to control wild animal populations. This demonstrates that Catalonia is ready to take decisive steps to protect its resources and ensure safety.
Context and experience of other regions
In recent years, Spain has been increasingly confronted with extreme weather events, prompting regions to seek new approaches to water management. In Valencia and Andalusia, projects for desalination and water reuse are also underway, but Catalonia is the first to commit to such a large-scale reduction in reliance on rainfall. In 2023, similar initiatives were discussed in Murcia, where chronic water shortages have become a major challenge for agriculture. Catalonia’s experience could serve as a starting point for nationwide reforms if new technologies and infrastructure prove effective in a changing climate.
