Technological Upgrades to Formentera’s Desalination Plant

This modernisation protects the island's drinking water supply

What does it consist of?

Works carried out at Formentera’s desalination plant have improved the production capacity of drinking water through the installation of a new reverse osmosis frame, replacing the old one, which was defunct due to corrosion.

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Data

PROJECT TITLE IN THE CALL
Remodelling works on the third production line of the sea water desalination plant in Formentera
LOCATION
Formentera (Formentera)
Entity submitting the PROJECT
Govern de les Illes Balears
Entity that executes the project
Agència Balear de l'Aigua i la Qualitat Ambiental (ABAQUA)
Project code
ITS2019-144
Total project amount
400.000 €
ITS granted amount
400.000 €
Executed amount
338.917 €
Call year
2019
Execution status
Executed
Purpose
Environment
Budget execution
Executed: 84.73%
Last data request
10.02.2022

The project

In a context of growing water scarcity, made worse by the impact of climate change and increased pressure from tourism, the supply of drinking water on the islands has become a priority challenge. Formentera, the smallest of the Pityusic Islands, has taken an important step in this direction with the remodelling of the third production line at its desalination plant.

The plan involved the installation of a new reverse osmosis frame with the capacity to produce 2,500 m³ per day, replacing the old one, which was heavily damaged due to corrosion. This ensures the performance and continuity of the drinking water production service, which is essential to meet the needs of both the resident population and tourists.

Reverse osmosis technology used allows high quality water to be obtained from seawater, with energy efficiency that has improved significantly compared to traditional methods. This solution is particularly suited to island environments such as Formentera, where natural water sources are scarce and limited.

The work is part of the Balearic Government’s strategy to modernise and reinforce key infrastructure for the environmental sustainability of the archipelago. The action has been carried out by the Balearic Water Agency (ABAQUA), with funding from sustainable tourism tax. Beyond making Formentera more resilient to water scarcity, this plan serves to establish a more efficient, more sustainable model of water management.