The Andalusian government plans to review the region’s Water Law during the current legislature to bring it into line with present conditions, strengthen the security of water supplies and improve preparedness for drought. The regional Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development identifies regulatory updates, expanding available water resources and continued investment in hydraulic infrastructure as major priorities.
“Water cannot be addressed only when drought arrives; it has to be part of the strategic planning of our land,” Deputy Minister Consolación Vera said. She said the regional government aims to build an Andalusia with greater water security and better prepared for drought. Vera spoke at an event in Málaga marking the 40th anniversary of the Association of Water Supply and Sanitation Companies of Andalusia (ASA Andalucía). She said the law’s reform would be developed through dialogue with the sector and would provide rules that are more modern, streamlined and suited to a reality in which water scarcity is no longer exceptional.
The regional government also plans to approve an Andalusian Sustainable Irrigation Law during this legislature. It would complement initiatives already launched, including the PARRA Plan, funded with €165 million, and the RegadíA Plan, with €138.3 million.
Another priority is making better use of available water and adding non-conventional sources, particularly reclaimed water. The government says reuse can generate new resources, free up water for supply and strengthen the response to drought. Other stated aims include improving network efficiency, reducing water losses, modernising infrastructure and using new technologies to manage the full water cycle.
The government says it mobilised more than €500 million for hydraulic projects during the previous year. Projects included new wastewater treatment plants and water treatment facilities, bulk water-supply works, tertiary treatment and improvements to dams.
Vera also outlined water-related priorities in Málaga province. These include co-financing the Benalmádena–Torremolinos section of the Water Highway; improving and expanding the Río Verde water treatment plant; upgrading the Los Pilones plant and connecting it to the metropolitan area; and advancing tertiary treatment at wastewater plants to increase the supply of reclaimed water.
She also highlighted the proposed Cerro Blanco and Gibralmedina dams, both declared to be of general state interest. The Junta has allocated €2.3 million to prepare the Gibralmedina project and said it will continue to advocate for the infrastructure, which it considers strategic for the Costa del Sol.