AIGUANEIX: Why is water purification necessary?

If water purification technologies already existed and climate forecasts predicted an increase in droughts, why was this project not implemented sooner?

AIGUANEIX is a water purification project being pilot ed in northern Costa Brava, which combines existing technologies in an innovative way. But if these technologies already existed, why weren’t they implemented here sooner? Let’s examine the key factors that have driven the development of AIGUANEIX.

Drought and climate change

Firstly, it is important to note that Catalonia is highly vulnerable to rising droughts caused by climate change and has been facing a severe water scarcity crisis over the past three years. The need to ensure a reliable water supply for the public and to enhance resilience against droughts are two of the main rea sons for exploring water purification as a resource for people.

Using purification as a method to obtain drinking water and replenish aquifers provides a new source of water and reduces dependence on rainfall. The goal is to utilize the water from the Roses Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), restore its quality, and return it to the natural cycle. This approach prevents the discharge of water into the sea and promotes the circularity of this crucial resource.

Water purification

Water purification technology has been implemented in many parts of the world, with notable examples in California, Australia, and Singapore. These regions face water supply issues and have been among the first to implement purification technologies to produce potable water.

AIGUANEIX innovatively combines various existing processes for restoring water quality. The pilot plant installed at the Roses Wastewater Treatment Plant features several different stages to ensure that the resulting water has properties similar to rainwater.

Public-private collaboration

A third factor to consider is that AIGUANEIX is a project led by the Costa Brava Girona Water Consortium and Barcelona Provincial Council, with support from the Catalan Water Agency. It also involves participation from AGBAR, Energi (Enginyeria Energètica Gironina SL), ICRA (Catalan Institute for Water Research), Protecmed (Procesos Técnicos Medioambientales), and Anthesis.

The collaboration between these public entities, research centres, and private companies is essential for implementing the project and achieving the objectives set for the pilot phase. The current situation has facilitated effective teamwork among project participants, allowing for advancements in improving future water supply.

Purified water for the northern Costa Brava

The pilot plant is the first step in utilizing treated water as a new resource in a region heavily affected by the current drought. This is a medium-term project intended to be scaled up and implemented as a tangible measure to enhance resilience against future water shortages.

The drive to utilize this technology has emerged from the current situation, with the aim of providing support to society in the years ahead. This approach will function as a system to alleviate the impacts of climate change, thereby mitigating its social and economic effects.

AIGUANEIX has been developed in response to the current context, where drought, technology, and collaboration among entities have combined to create a project designed to boost resilience against future droughts.