“If water isn’t guaranteed, future prosperity cannot be promised.” This sentiment echoed through all speakers at the Digital Water and European Funds discussion table during the Levante-EMV meetings, a publication linked to the same group behind INFORMATION. In a country facing water stress, especially in southeastern Spain, water availability requires careful measurement, efficiency, and balance with demand. The Digitizing the Water Cycle Part, backed by over 3,000 million euros in public and private funding, promises real insights into the system and its weak points, paving the way for faster improvement investments.
However, as experts and public representatives agreed at the forum, moderated by journalist Julio Monreal, this mechanism, funded by Next Generation resources and overseen by the Government, is not an end in itself. Dionisio García Comín, CEO of Global Omnium, noted that industry knowledge is far ahead here compared with many other countries. He added that with university support, Spain leads in integrated water cycle intelligence, yet there is still substantial work to do in Valencia and beyond.
We have a star
If Perte is leveraged effectively, Spain could become a world leader in digitalization. García Comín highlighted that the Ministry of Ecological Transition’s tool could open new professional niches and reshape how the sector operates. He stressed that there is a standout opportunity in the Valencian Community, likening it to a landmark achievement in the field.
Perte presents two funding rounds totaling 1.2 billion euros, enabling cities or regional groups with over 20,000 residents to install measurement systems such as smart meters or Big Data platforms to analyze data comprehensively.
Elisa Valía, Valencia City Council’s representative for the integrated water cycle, emphasized the urgency of advancing key projects. She remarked that life continues after Perte and that governments must be ready to act. The capacity of the bureaucratic process to manage European aid promptly remains a recurring concern, with many pointing to procedural bottlenecks. Teodoro Estrela, Director General of Water at the Ministry of Ecological Transition, called for strengthening the Environmental Quality Department to address these delays.
Juan Valero de Palma, general secretary of the Junta de la Acequia Real del Júcar, urged objectivity and transparency in water matters. He cautioned against decisions driven by emotion or fear, underscoring the importance of precise measurements and detailed information. Valencia’s agricultural sector stands out, with Valero de Palma noting that only Israel surpasses Spain in irrigation modernization, while 80% of demand concentrates in the region. He asserted that future irrigation must be sustainable and measurable, with Perte guiding the way, and reiterated the benefits of digitization in distributing water and expenses fairly.
spill control
Marc García Manzana, Water Commissioner for the Júcar Hydrographic Confederation, linked social transition to both digital and ecological goals. The aim is for water bodies to reach a healthy environmental status within the extended EU timeline to 2027. García Manzana highlighted the body’s work on discharges control, investments in the western collector, water delivery to l’Albufera, satellite monitoring of chlorophyll in the lake, and increased piezometer installation to monitor aquifers and ensure ecological flows.
incredible possibilities
Carlos Fernández Bielsa, Valencia City Council vice-president and mayor of Mislata, described Perte as offering incredible possibilities to address issues long kept in drawers. He called for high-quality water, noting the region’s heavy irrigation needs, and urged strong collaboration between companies and public administrations to end interregional water conflicts. He stressed that sustainability, efficiency, and growth are inseparable from water as an economic engine and job creator.
Juan Ángel Conca, director of Generalitat Valenciana’s Public Authority for Wastewater Sanitation (Epsar), addressed water reuse in a climate-sensitive Mediterranean context. He affirmed Valencian leadership and Perte’s relevance for data-driven control of environmental functions. He warned about the administrative challenges small towns face with government deadlines and complex procedures, yet celebrated the potential for a before-and-after shift in environmental performance.
Water bill and Netflix
Valía argued that the citizen’s best interest should guide policy, while inviting reflection on the water bill as a scarce resource that remains a touchy topic for many users. The digital era’s costs are a point of criticism, though García urged operators and municipalities to unite, framing the effort as an investment rather than an expense. He emphasized modernization as a collective goal.
“We are a drought-stricken country that cannot afford not to use its water resources well”
Estrela opened with the EU’s clarity on Spain’s water resource status and the need for knowledge across urban and underground systems. The next step is a mechanism that could unlock up to 1.7 billion euros to speed digitalization, aimed at a fast, user-friendly rollout. He reminded the audience that drought conditions demand efficient water use and broader digital reach into irrigation and industry. He also acknowledged that Spain, a pioneer in a circular water economy, has seen limited progress over the past decade.
Estrela noted that reuse regulations require stronger alignment. European rules impose several demands that must be met, including affordable reuse payments for farmers when treatment plants are located far from agricultural areas where recovered water flows are directed, helping conserve aquifers.
García Manzana added that digitization will reveal actual consumption, enabling treated wastewater destined for agriculture to be met with greater confidence as pumps can be replaced with more efficient options.
Sanitation and purification
Estrela underscored the need for more investment in sanitation and treatment to avoid EU penalties and to address waste dumped into natural environments. He framed ecological transition as a path to keep waters in good condition and to close the loop by reintroducing clean water to rivers and streams. He also stressed inclusive participation across local organizations and associations, noting that any advance must be paid for by users who understand the value and impact of what they spend.