An underground stormwater tank designed to reduce flooding is being built at the junction of Avenida San Lorenzo and Calle Real in central Estepona. The reservoir will be able to hold up to 825,000 litres of excess runoff during heavy rain.
The site is a low-lying point where water drains towards the sea. The town hall says technical analysis identified it as the location for the project; the regional government classifies the area as vulnerable to flash flooding from short, intense downpours. Waterlogging has previously affected nearby shops and garages, according to the discovery report.
The tank is intended to provide temporary storage for runoff and ease pressure on the sewerage network during severe weather. A pumping system will move the collected water, while pipework and spillways will form part of the installation.
Hidralia, Estepona’s water concessionaire, is carrying out the works. The reported cost is approximately €950,000, funded through the local improvement levy.
The town hall’s timetable is for the civil engineering work to be completed by mid-November, followed by installation of the pumps, pipework and spillways in December. The dates are a projected schedule, not confirmation that the work has been completed.
The installation is also due to include its own generator. According to the town hall, this is intended to keep the pumps operating independently if the electricity supply is interrupted. The project’s practical benefit will depend on the system being completed and functioning when heavy rain occurs.