Desalination: Securing Costa del Sol’s Water Future and Boosting Quality of Life

desalination water costa del sol

The Costa del Sol, Spain’s sun-drenched southern coastline, has long been a magnet for tourists and residents alike, drawn by its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and enviable climate. However, this paradise has faced a persistent challenge: ensuring a stable water supply in a region prone to drought. In a bold move that promises to transform the area’s water security and quality of life, local authorities are implementing an ambitious desalination strategy that not only addresses current needs but also future-proofs the region against climate uncertainties.

The Marbella Desalination Plant Upgrade: A Success Story

At the heart of this water revolution is the upgrade of the Marbella desalination plant. Originally built in 1997 and operational since 2005, this facility has been a crucial component of the region’s water infrastructure. However, its potential had been underutilized, with production gradually decreasing to just 6 cubic hectometres (hm³) per year. The ongoing upgrade project is set to double this capacity to 12 hm³ annually, marking a significant leap in the region’s water production capabilities.

What makes this upgrade particularly impressive is the accelerated timeline for completion. The Junta de Andalucía’s regional ministry of agriculture and water supply company Acosol are working tirelessly to have the plant operating at maximum capacity by autumn, shortening the construction period by two to three months. This rapid progress is largely due to the efficiency of having the same contractor, Medio Ambiente, Residuos y Agua Marea, working on both phases of the project.

The total investment of 7 million euros, split between two phases, demonstrates the region’s commitment to this critical infrastructure. The first phase, budgeted at 3.35 million euros, is already 50% complete, while the second phase, formalized in March for 3.42 million euros, is progressing swiftly.

Immediate Benefits for Costa del Sol

The upgraded Marbella desalination plant promises to deliver immediate and substantial benefits to the Costa del Sol region. Once fully operational, it will have the capacity to provide more than 20% of the annual water needs of the coast, estimated at over 90 hm³. This significant contribution to the water supply will enhance the region’s resilience against drought conditions, providing a reliable source of water even during periods of low rainfall.

The plant’s increased capacity will ensure a steady supply of 1 hm³ per month, rising to 1.66 hm³ in October if all goes according to plan. This boost in water production comes at a crucial time, as projections indicate that maintaining the current limit of 200 litres per inhabitant per day could see the La Concepción reservoir holding around 30 cubic hectometres by October.

Quality of Life Improvements

The enhanced water security brought about by the desalination upgrade will have a direct and positive impact on the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. With a more consistent and reliable water supply, the region can maintain its high living standards even during dry periods. This stability is crucial for a area that prides itself on offering a premium lifestyle to both residents and tourists.

Moreover, the increased water production may potentially lead to the lifting of water usage restrictions that have been necessary during drought periods. This would allow residents to enjoy unrestricted use of water for gardening, swimming pools, and other activities that contribute to the Costa del Sol’s appealing lifestyle.

Positive Impact on Real Estate Market

The improved water security is expected to have a significant positive impact on the Costa del Sol’s real estate market. Property values are likely to increase as the region becomes even more attractive to investors and homebuyers who prioritize areas with stable infrastructure and reliable resources.

The assurance of a consistent water supply removes a potential barrier for development, potentially leading to new, sustainable real estate projects in the area. This could include everything from residential complexes to hotels and resorts, further enhancing the region’s appeal to both permanent residents and tourists.

Moreover, the Costa del Sol’s proactive approach to water management may attract environmentally conscious buyers who appreciate the region’s commitment to sustainable development. This could open up new market segments and further boost property values.

Image of the new racks (white) of the desalination plant.

Economic Benefits

The desalination upgrade is set to deliver substantial economic benefits to the Costa del Sol. By ensuring a stable water supply, the region can continue to support its crucial tourism industry, which relies heavily on water for hotels, restaurants, golf courses, and other attractions. The ability to guarantee water availability even during dry periods will help maintain the Costa del Sol’s reputation as a premier tourist destination.

Furthermore, the improved infrastructure may attract new businesses to the area, particularly those in water-intensive industries that require a reliable water supply. This could lead to increased job creation and economic diversification in the region.

The desalination project itself is also creating jobs in water management and related sectors, contributing to the local economy. As the region becomes a leader in water management technology, it may also attract companies and professionals in this field, further boosting economic growth.

Environmental Considerations

While the primary focus of the desalination upgrade is to increase water supply, it also brings significant environmental benefits. By reducing pressure on natural water sources such as rivers and aquifers, the project helps protect these ecosystems from overexploitation.

The upgrade also addresses a recurring problem with trihalomethanes, potentially harmful substances that can form when desalinated water mixes with reservoir water high in organic matter. The new system will better control this issue, ensuring the continued high quality of the water supply while protecting public health and the environment.

Moreover, the project demonstrates the region’s commitment to sustainable water management practices. By investing in desalination, the Costa del Sol is reducing its vulnerability to climate change-induced water scarcity, setting an example for other regions facing similar challenges.

Technological Advancements

The Marbella desalination plant upgrade incorporates several technological advancements that improve both the efficiency and quality of water production. The new system will be capable of producing 56,000 cubic metres of fresh water per day from 124,445 cubic metres of seawater, showcasing the efficiency of modern desalination technology.

Energy efficiency has been a key consideration in the upgrade, addressing one of the primary criticisms of desalination technology. While specific figures aren’t provided, it’s likely that the new system incorporates the latest energy-saving technologies to minimize the environmental impact and operational costs of water production.

The upgrade also includes improvements to the brine discharge system, with an outfall that returns the concentrated saltwater to the sea 350 metres from the beach line and seven metres deep through eight diffusers. This careful discharge method helps protect the marine environment from the potential negative impacts of brine concentration.

Future-Proofing Costa del Sol

The Marbella desalination plant upgrade is just the beginning of Costa del Sol’s comprehensive water security strategy. Plans are already underway for a second desalination plant, which would provide additional capacity of around 25 hm³ per year. This forward-thinking approach demonstrates the region’s commitment to long-term water security and sustainable growth.

The addition of a second plant would give the coast extra peace of mind, extending its water security buffer beyond the current seven to eight months provided by the La Concepción reservoir’s 57 hm³ maximum capacity. This increased security is crucial for a region that experiences high seasonal variations in water demand due to tourism.

Furthermore, Estepona is set to begin producing desalinated water this summer, first from brackish wells and then from seawater. This diversification of water sources across the region adds another layer of resilience to the Costa del Sol’s water supply system.

By investing in these projects, Costa del Sol is positioning itself as a leader in water management. This proactive approach not only secures the region’s water future but also sets an example for other coastal areas around the world facing similar water scarcity challenges.

Desalination, securing Marbella’s future.

The upgrade of the Marbella desalination plant, along with other water management initiatives in the Costa del Sol, represents a significant step forward in securing the region’s water future. By dramatically increasing its capacity to produce fresh water from the sea, the Costa del Sol is ensuring its ability to maintain its high quality of life, support its vital tourism industry, and continue attracting residents and investors.

This project demonstrates the region’s commitment to sustainable growth and development, balancing the needs of its population and economy with responsible resource management. As climate change continues to pose challenges to water security worldwide, the Costa del Sol’s proactive approach serves as a model for other regions.

The benefits of this desalination upgrade extend far beyond simply increasing the water supply. They touch every aspect of life in the Costa del Sol, from daily convenience for residents to the long-term economic prospects of the region. As the project nears completion, the Costa del Sol can look forward to a future where water scarcity is no longer a looming threat, but a challenge that has been met with innovation, foresight, and determination.

About Agent

Fredrik Ivansson

Sales Manager

+46 70 567 84 78

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Get in touch if you would like further guidance on this subject or want to know anything else about the lifestyle you could have living in Marbella

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