October 29, 2024
Badajoz expands drinking water supply network for a sustainable future
The new infrastructure will benefit around 262,000 people across 51 municipalities.
A total of EUR 150 million will be invested in the project, which will involve new wastewater treatment plants based on innovative technology, such as ozone treatment, activated carbon filters and sludge lines.
Expanding the water supply in Southern Spain
The Guadiana River Basin Authority has awarded Ayesa three projects to help expand the drinking water supply network in the province of Badajoz in Spain. The public entity will invest €150 million in new infrastructure to help benefit approximately 262,000 residents across 51 municipalities. The project will continue up until 2055, by which time the demand for drinking water is projected to reach 21.3 million cubic meters per year.
Guadiana River Basin Authority Committed to expand water supply
Water shortages remain a significant challenge in Spain, particularly in regions like Badajoz, where limited rainfall intensifies the issue. This area is divided into several mancomunidades (associations of townships), including Los Molinos, Llerena, Tentudía, and Jaime Ozores.
In response to these challenges, Spain’s National Water Plan has identified several emergency measures for the region, although only preliminary designs and studies have been initiated so far. To address the urgent need for improved water infrastructure, the Guadiana River Basin Authority is committed to designing and constructing essential facilities for each province. To support this initiative, the Authority has awarded a contract to Ayesa, recognizing the company’s extensive technical expertise, management capabilities, and its position as a top 20 global leader in water supply.
Ayesa – water partners for resilience
Ayesa will develop preliminary designs to improve the water supply for Los Molinos and the surrounding Alange Reservoir area. Additionally, the company will design the infrastructure required to connect the reservoirs with the mancomunidades (associations of townships) of Los Molinos and Tentudía. Ayesa will assess the specific needs of these areas, conduct evaluations of existing infrastructure—including reservoirs, water catchment systems, pumps, wastewater treatment plants, and pipelines—and create a comprehensive plan to optimize water supply. This plan will also designate supply points for each area to ensure efficient distribution.
Two New Wastewater Treatment Plants & Improved Water Conveyancing
The project includes constructing two new wastewater treatment plants, designed to handle capacities of 1,200 and 1,500 m³/hour, respectively. Additionally, infrastructure will be developed to connect the Los Molinos and Villalba de Los Barros reservoirs, along with the installation of 170 km of pipelines. The Guadiana River Basin Authority will invest a total of €150 million into this initiative.
Luis Castillo, Head of Water Infrastructure at Ayesa, explains: ‘This project is pivotal in securing a reliable drinking water supply for 51 municipalities in central-southern Badajoz. We are committed to developing a resilient supply system that optimally utilizes available resources. By connecting the region’s two largest reservoirs, Villalba and Los Molinos, we will enhance flexibility and ensure that communities are well-equipped to meet their water needs now and into the future’.
The Role of Technology
Ayesa’s Water Supply Guarantee Study utilized AquaTool+, an advanced software designed to model complex water systems. The results provide a precise simulation of real-world conditions, detailing how water flows through the system over time. This tool allows our team to model various scenarios and conditions, helping to create a resilient plan that addresses potential unforeseen challenges over the coming decades, extending to 2055.
Regarding infrastructure design, the two new wastewater treatment plants will incorporate cutting-edge technologies, including ozone treatment, activated carbon filters, sludge management systems, and process automation. Building Information Modeling (BIM) will also be utilized, facilitating smoother operations and maintenance in the post-construction phase.
Additionally, ductile iron pipes and more efficient pumping systems will be employed, as fiber cement pipes are not compatible with the existing infrastructure.
The Head of Water Infrastructure commented, ‘this project will play an important role in improving our country’s infrastructure, modernising and strengthening our water supply networks and helping mitigate the effects of droughts, an ever-increasing problem, particularly in Southern Spain’.
We support your projects
We are here for you, to advise you personally and offer you the product you need.