A set of emergency measures in Alicante includes a distribution network designed to reuse flows and wastewater from the Tajo-Segura transfer. This network is part of a package outlining priority water infrastructure for the Valencian Community. The plan, presented in a formal session, calls for investments totaling 421 million euros, within a broader 2.264 billion euros requested for the entire autonomous region. The regional government plans to contribute its share while urging the central administration to act decisively to prevent drought stress from spreading into Europe through the Valencian Community.
The document was delivered during a formal meeting that brought together key regional leaders and industry representatives at the Palau de la Generalitat. Principal voices included the president of the CEV and leaders from AVA-Asaja and the Alicante chapter of the same association, signaling broad stakeholder support for the proposed program.
The report organizes 235 water projects into sections that identify them as essential priorities for the Valencian Community. The majority of the total funding, 1.171 billion euros, is allocated to irrigation. Additional allocations include 317 million for urban water supply, 288 million for sanitation and treatment, 263 million for reuse, 103 million for desalination, 48 million for regulation, 29 million for provision, 20 million for flood defense, and 24 million for other infrastructure needs.
The plan outlines how funds will be shared among different levels of government and agencies. The Generalitat would contribute approximately 894 million euros, while the State would provide 1.186 billion. Specific allocations include 587.25 million directly and 420 million through Aquamed, 91.77 million through Mancomunidad de Canales del Taibilla, 86.59 million via the Association of State Trade Agricultural Infrastructures, and 0.38 million from State Ports. Local governments are expected to invest 151 million, with users contributing about 11.90 million.
From the action set, the study highlights 421.5 million euros for urgent works related to disruptions in the Tajo-Segura transfer and the overexploitation of groundwater resources. For Alicante irrigation companies, after the new agreement securing the Júcar-Vinalopó transfer for ten years, the priority is to implement infrastructure enabling water distribution. A request of 115 million euros from the Generalitat is included to complete the transfer transmission works, with additional support from the Ministry of Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge. Seventy million is planned for photovoltaic water pumping installations to support water security, and 43 million for photovoltaic water facilities. There is also a plan to repair leaks at the San Diego reservoir and to reassess operating rules for the transfer alongside the appropriate authorities.
The transfer agreement foresees shipments over the next decade, with 278 hectometers of water from Azud de la Marquesa scheduled to move from Cullera to the San Diego reservoir at a cost of 0.24 euros per cubic meter. This initiative is expected to benefit about 20 000 irrigators who rely on the resource.
As part of the emergency measures, Discharge Plan 0 for wastewater reuse is included. The Generalitat is set to contribute 80 million euros for adjustments to treatment facilities, including the Alicante neighborhood of San Gabriel, while the Ministry will provide 80 million euros for interconnections, warehouses, and other facilities. The plan also includes a section to recalibrate groundwater extractions in the Vinalopó and l’Alacantí regions. Funds of 6.5 million euros are allocated for photovoltaic groundwater pumping installations, and 6.7 million euros for the regulation tank at the Mutxamel desalination plant. These actions fall within the responsibilities of the Ministry.
The regional president welcomed the demands from CEV and Asaja, affirming that the Generalitat will fulfill its portion of the investments. He underscored the need for a robust and carefully planned commitment from the central government to advance these works with clarity and resolve.