The Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge recently granted Global Omnium the DigitAMED project, valued at 7.9 million euros, a consortium that includes seven coastal towns along the Mediterranean arc: Gandia, Sagunto, Calp, Altea, La Pobla de Farnals, Altafulla, and Miramar. This endeavor is part of the Water Digitization PERTE program and represents a clear step toward smarter water management across the region.
Over the next 24 months, the project will modernize the water intake infrastructures in these municipalities. It will enable continuous monitoring of water quality, chlorine levels, and turbidity, empowering authorities to manage water resources with greater accuracy and confidence.
In the near future, Levante-EMV will conduct interviews with mayors and councilors from each locality to assess the project’s impact on their communities. The initial interview will feature Javier Raro, councilor of Sagunto for Aigües de Sagunt, who will share updates on ongoing developments and expected benefits.
Effective water use is a pressing issue in a modern society that champions sustainability. Are we on the right track?
Responsible water use is essential for a thriving future. Real progress is visible in many areas, yet substantial work remains. Public awareness about conserving this vital resource must persist, and innovative conservation methods should be pursued to safeguard water supplies for the long term.
Municipal budgets allocate sizable funds each year to improve water quality and its management. Do residents truly grasp its importance?
Investing in water quality and proper management is crucial for urban well-being. Explaining the value of these investments to residents can be challenging. In Sagunto, the mixed-ownership company Aigües de Sagunt has invested over 11 million euros in water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure. This demonstrates the municipality’s steadfast commitment to improving water quality and its management. In recent years, Master Plans for supply and sanitation have set clear short-, medium-, and long-term investment priorities, underscoring the need for citizen understanding of these plans to ensure reliable water delivery.
New technologies have transformed everyday life, and digitalization now touches every sector. Why is it important to apply digital tools to water management?
Digitizing water management processes and systems is essential for boosting efficiency and effectiveness. Digital technologies enable more precise monitoring, early problem detection, and optimized resource use. Beyond improving water quality, digital tools help prevent crises and reduce long-term costs, creating resilience in urban water systems across North America and Europe alike.
Sagunt is one of seven municipalities joining the DigitAmed project led by Global Omnium, contributing close to 2.3 million euros to Aigües de Sagunt. What do these European funds mean for the town?
European funds arriving in Sagunt bring meaningful upgrades to water management. With these resources, sensor-based monitoring of water quantity and quality will advance, treatment processes at municipal plants will be optimized, and losses due to leaks will be reduced. This progress translates into real-time visibility across the water and sewer network, improving efficiency and the ability to respond to incidents as they arise.
One major concern for Sagunt’s residents is urban flood prevention. What is expected to be achieved through this project?
Flood prevention is a priority given climate change effects that bring sudden deluges, especially near Port de Sagunt and Almardà beach. Strengthening water management and flood mitigation becomes essential for safeguarding neighborhoods. Early-warning systems and upgraded drainage infrastructure are key measures to address climate challenges and protect community safety and well-being.
Looking ahead, what are the big challenges in water management?
A principal future challenge is balancing rising water demand with ecosystem preservation and climate adaptation. Planning and managing water resources during shortages is equally critical. For Sagunt, the desalination option is being explored as a potential response to severe drought conditions affecting other regions. The aim is to develop comprehensive water plans that anticipate contingencies and ensure fair access even in extreme drought scenarios. An integrated, collaborative approach is necessary to tackle current and future water-management challenges and to provide reliable access to all residents.