The Balearic Government, the Consell de Ibiza and the five town councils of the island have taken a crucial step to guarantee water supply in the future with the signing of a protocol aimed at protecting and recovering the aquifers. This commitment, which responds to the serious water crisis resulting from overexploitation, saline intrusion and scarce rainfall, seeks to transform water management on the island and protect this vital resource for its inhabitants and key sectors such as agriculture. The event, held at the headquarters of the Consell Insular, was attended by the Councilor of the Sea and Water Cycle, Juan Manuel Lafuente, who stressed that this initiative is “an example of institutional collaboration to effectively address a critical problem”. According to Lafuente, the situation of Ibiza’s subway resources is “alarming”, and their recovery is an environmental, economic and social priority.
Measures to guarantee water
The protocol includes specific measures to alleviate pressure on aquifers, such as the progressive replacement of groundwater withdrawals with desalinated water, especially in the months of lower demand. This strategy will make it possible to conserve subway reserves for critical moments, such as consumption peaks in summer or episodes of severe drought. In addition, the agreement promotes the use of reclaimed water in agricultural, urban and environmental activities, a measure that seeks to maximize efficiency and reduce dependence on aquifers. Control and monitoring systems will also be implemented to evaluate the impact of the actions and ensure compliance with the established objectives.
A commitment to sustainability
Lafuente stressed that the protocol marks a before and after in Ibiza’s water management. “Not only are we responding to an urgent need, but we are laying the foundations for a new era in water management on the island. This agreement demonstrates that, working together, we can find sustainable solutions and guarantee access to this essential resource for future generations,” he said. The agreement, which will have an initial term of three years with the possibility of renewal, also includes the technical participation of the Balearic Water Agency (ABAQUA) and the Consell Insular de Ibiza, which reinforces its comprehensive and coordinated nature. This pact not only focuses on responding to the current crisis, but also on laying the foundations for a more resilient water model. “Collaboration between administrations is essential for desalinated and reclaimed water to play a leading role in the island’s water strategy,” concluded Lafuente.
