- The Mayor of Torrevieja opposes a new desalination plant planned by the Spanish Government in the municipality.
- The government plans to increase desalination capacity by 100 hm³/year near Torrevieja amid water scarcity concerns.
- The current desalination plant is being expanded from 80 to 120 hm³ but the new project lacks local consensus and transparency.
- Concerns include environmental impact, urban development constraints, and incomplete restoration works from previous projects.
- The City Council demands the government complete pending restitution works before considering any new infrastructure.
Torrevieja Mayor Rejects Government-Imposed location for New Desalination Plant
The mayor of Torrevieja has publicly announced plans to present a motion to the City Council opposing the establishment of a new desalination plant within the municipality. This decision responds to a recent tender by the Confederación Hidrográfica del Segura (CHS),a governmental agency,to design preliminary projects for two desalination stations,one potentially sited near Torrevieja. The motion invites all political groups to join in opposing what the mayor describes as an imposed project, lacking local input, technical justification, or environmental consensus.
Government’s Desalination Expansion Project
The project, officially called “Services for drafting preliminary projects to increase desalination capacity to address resource shortages due to underprovision and overexploitation in irrigated zones connected to the transfer system, and to eliminate overexploitation in adjacent areas”, aims to boost desalinated water output by 100 hectometers cubed (hm³) annually.The CHS indicates that the new plant’s location could range from southern Santa Pola to Pilar de la Horadada-regions covering Torrevieja.
However, political figures such as the Secretary-General of PSOE in Murcia and PSPV Minister Diana Morant have implied the government’s decision to locate the plant near Torrevieja is already finalized, ignoring local consultation and alternatives.
Local Government and Community Concerns
- lack of transparency: The Torrevieja City Council criticizes the central government’s opaque process and unilateral decision-making.
- Existing desalination plant: Torrevieja already has a facility producing 80 hm³ per year, with an expansion underway to 120 hm³.
- Environmental and territorial impact: The new facility could cause irreversible harm to urban development, notably impacting areas intended for the expansion of the Torrevieja Hospital, potentially endangering health services for the surrounding region.
- Unfinished restoration commitments: The government has yet to complete agreed restoration works linked to the current desalination plant, including:
- The Poniente Breakwater (Dique de Poniente)
- Pedestrian paths at Playa de Los Náufragos and Lo Ferrís
- Restoration plan for the Acequión neighborhood
- Project delays: Several projects have stalled due to environmental ministry reviews, highlighting institutional neglect.
Why Torrevieja Says “No” to a New Desalination Plant
The mayor stresses the importance of completing pending environmental restitution work before considering any new desalination infrastructure. The community is concerned about the additive environmental footprint and urban restriction the new plant would bring, especially in a municipality already hosting a large desalination facility that was strategically placed to minimize impact.
With no local dialog or participation in the decision, the city government insists the current process disregards local needs, environmental sustainability, and social welfare.
Table: Key Facts at a Glance
| Aspect | Current situation | Proposed Project |
|---|---|---|
| Desalination Capacity | 80 hm³/year (expanding to 120 hm³) | Additional 100 hm³/year capacity |
| Location | Within Torrevieja (existing plant) | Potentially Torrevieja or nearby municipalities |
| Environmental Impact | Minimized by technical studies | Potentially significant, especially affecting urban expansion and healthcare infrastructure |
| Local Political Involvement | High engagement and approved expansions | Limited consultation, perceived unilateral decision |
| Pending actions | Restitution works incomplete and delayed | Unclear timeline/commitment to new project execution |
Looking ahead: Calls for Dialogue and Transparency
Amid rising tension, Torrevieja’s City Council urges the Spanish Government to halt plans for a new desalination station until all local demands are met, environmental and social impacts fully assessed, and a transparent dialogue established. The case highlights a broader challenge in Spain-balancing critical water infrastructure needs with community rights, environmental protection, and responsible urban development.
Residents, local authorities, and environmental groups remain watchful, advocating for sustainable solutions that respect both the region’s water challenges and its socioeconomic fabric.
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