More Water, Less Waste: New Water Plan for the Balearic Islands

Measures to tackle leaks and expand the desalinated water network on the islands

What does it consist of?

In order to curb groundwater overexploitation and meet growing demand in towns and tourist hotspots, the Balearic Government is launching a large investment package for pre-treated water. The strategy includes network improvements, new connections, the expansion of desalination plants and energy efficiency plans.

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Data

PROJECT TITLE IN THE CALL
Agreement for upstream water management and resource security
LOCATION
Mallorca, Minorca, Ibiza, Formentera
Entity submitting the PROJECT
Conselleria de la Mar i del Cicle de l'aigua
Entity that executes the project
Direcció General de Recursos Hídrics
Project code
ITS2425-122
Total project amount
38.820.720 €
ITS granted amount
38.261.151 €
Executed amount
0 €
Call year
2024-2025
Execution status
Started
Purpose
Environment
Budget execution
Executed: 0%
Last data request
27.02.2026

The project

Access to drinking water is a pressing issue for the future of the Balearic Islands. Around 43% of groundwater on the islands is overexploited and, in several areas, demand already exceeds the capacity of available resources. To tackle this situation, the Balearic Government has launched a water management plan titled ‘Pacte per la gestió de l'aigua en alta i garantia de recursos’ involving public investment of more than €38 million between 2025 and 2027.

The works planned will take place in Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza. They include expanding Alcudia’s desalination plant and creating new connections such as the one at Can Picafort and the Es Caragolí reservoir in Ciutadella. Renovations to critical infrastructure in Ibiza are also expected, including a new regulation tank and improvements to the interconnected desalinated water network.

One of the plan’s priorities is the use of non-conventional resources. Construction projects will be drawn up for three new desalination plants on the islands, with a solar plant installed at the one in Palma to reduce the cost and carbon footprint of the desalination process. The investments also seek to streamline networks and reduce waste, which averages 23% of total unaccounted-for water in urban uses.

This package of measures will boost the capacity to respond to the effects of climate change in line with the goals of the current water plan on the islands. Beyond guaranteeing supply, the plan aims to restore groundwater, close the water cycle through reuse and ease pressure on a resource that is key for an island territory and tourism hotspot such as the Balearic Islands.