- Torrevieja’s mayor, Eduardo Dolón, announces a motion opposing a second desalination plant in the municipality.
- The Spanish Government’s plan includes building two new desalination plants near Torrevieja and southern Murcia.
- Concerns raised over environmental impacts, urban growth disruption, and lack of local consultation.
- The existing desalination plant in Torrevieja is already expanding from 80 to 120 hectometers cubed per year.
- The town demands completion of pending restoration projects linked to the original plant before any new construction.
Torrevieja Rejects Plans for a Second Desalination Plant Amid Environmental and urban Concerns
The mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón from the Popular Party (PP), has made it clear that the city council will formally oppose the proposed location of a new desalination plant within the municipality. With plans for two new plants being tendered by Spain’s Confederación Hidrográfica del Segura (CHS) – part of the Ministry of Ecological Transition – Dolón has seized the initiative to propose a motion to the municipal plenary session, inviting all political groups to join in opposition.
Background: Government Plans and Local Reactions
the Spanish government recently published a tender titled “Services for preparing preliminary projects to increase desalination capacity to address the lack of water resources due to under-provision and overexploitation in irrigation zones”. The plan calls for a new desalination facility with a capacity of 100 hectometers cubed (hm3) per year. The potential sites stretch from southern Santa Pola to Pilar de la Horadada, which includes the municipality of Torrevieja.
Despite the wide geographic options, statements from key political figures, including the Secretary General of the PSOE in Murcia and PSPV Minister Diana Morant, suggest that the final decision is already made favoring Torrevieja as the location – dismissing any local participation or alternative evaluations.
mayor Dolón Raises Concerns Over Process and Impact
Mayor Dolón criticized the spanish Government for “opacity, institutional disregard, and a total absence of dialogue.” The local administration argues decisions with far-reaching consequences for municipal development are being made unilaterally without considering the city’s stance or input from its citizens.
Torrevieja already hosts one desalination plant producing 80 hm3 per year, with an ongoing expansion project increasing capacity to 120 hm3. The existing facility was carefully located after an exhaustive technical and environmental study by the Ministry of Environment with the aim of minimizing ecological impact.
Building a second plant near this already sensitive area raises alarms for the city council. Especially, it threatens to harm urban development projects, including the extension of the Torrevieja Hospital, which is critical for healthcare services across the Vega Baja region.
outstanding Restoration Projects and Institutional neglect
Adding to the tension is the fact that the Spanish Government has yet to complete restoration works committed as compensation for the construction of the original desalination plant. These projects include:
- The Poniente Dyke (Dique de Poniente)
- The pedestrian walkway of Los Náufragos beach
- The Lo Ferrís trail
- The restoration plan for the Acequión neighborhood
Several of these are currently stalled due to reports issued by the Ministry for the Ecological Transition (MITECO), highlighting continuous institutional neglect toward Torrevieja. Mayor Dolón has repeatedly demanded that the company Acuamed, responsible for the installations, complete these works.
Key Arguments Against the Second Desalination Plant
- Environmental Impact: Risk of irreversible damage to natural ecosystems near the existing plant.
- Urban Development: Interference with hospital expansion and other vital local infrastructure.
- Lack of Democratic Process: Absence of dialogue or consensus with local authorities and citizens.
- Outstanding Obligations: Incomplete restoration commitments from previous infrastructure projects.
What’s Next? The Municipal Motion and Broader implications
The motion to be presented to the Torrevieja City Council aims to unite political groups in a shared rejection of the desalination plant plan. The city demands that any future infrastructure must be justified with environmental, social, and technical reasoning and constructed only with the participation and agreement of local stakeholders.
As Spain faces growing water shortages and environmental challenges, the debate over desalination plants in sensitive coastal areas like Torrevieja raises broader questions about enduring development, public consultation, and balancing ecological conservation with urban needs.
| Aspect | Current Status | concerns |
|---|---|---|
| Existing Desalination Plant Capacity | 80 hm3, expanding to 120 hm3 | Environmental impact and infrastructure wear |
| Proposed New Plant Capacity | 100 hm3 annually | Urban development disruption, hospital expansion interference |
| Restoration Projects | Partially complete, some stalled | Institutional neglect, delayed compensation works |
| Local Government Stance | Opposition formalized by municipal motion | Lack of consultation and transparency |
Conclusion
Torrevieja’s opposition to the second desalination plant reflects wider concerns about balancing vital water infrastructure with local environmental, social, and developmental priorities. The municipal government’s call for transparency,respect for local input,and fulfillment of pending commitments underscores the importance of sustainable and inclusive urban planning as Spain confronts its water resource challenges.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops and the City Council votes on the motion in the coming weeks.
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