Consell’s plenary session today at the Communications Palace in Alicante approved another price cut. The reduction adds 10 cents to the subsidy on the final price per cubic meter of desalinated water used for irrigation.
Generalitat chairman Ximo Puig outlined the measure during the business meeting held last Wednesday, stating that the Consell General Assembly would grant formal approval once the latest reports were reviewed. The remarks were reported in the publication The Present and the Future Vega Baja, edited by Forum Information, which documented the plan to move forward once the required assessments were in hand.
This discount will be layered on top of the subsidy provided by the Spanish Government, resulting in a final price of €0.22 per cubic meter for farmers belonging to 26 irrigation communities. This pricing structure aims to relieve irrigation costs while ensuring a reliable supply for the region.
Consell’s objective is to secure lasting support and position desalinated water as a competitive resource for Alicante’s irrigation sector. By maintaining affordability, irrigators in the province can access additional water resources derived from desalination without compromising financial viability.
Puig emphasized the importance of a strategic approach to secure water resources for the long term, describing the idea of stable, reliable water as essential. He referred to the Tajo-Segura transfer as a key component of this strategy and urged ongoing participation from the Consell. A robust monitoring framework for ongoing works and water body conditions was highlighted, underscoring that continuous negotiation remains the most effective path forward.
This plan aligns with broader efforts to manage regional water resources responsibly, balancing irrigation needs with environmental considerations as part of a cohesive water management strategy. The measures underscore a forward-looking approach to sustaining agricultural productivity while protecting vital water assets for the community. Attribution: Generalitat press brief, policy briefing notes, and regional governance communications.