La Marjal: A Model for Murcia's Future Metropolitan Park

Murcia, Alicante, and Granada's natural features have historically compelled local authorities to innovate in water supply and flood protection. Murcia faces challenges with its dispersed population, scarce rainfall, and areas below sea level. Alicante, lacking a river and surrounded by mountains, is prone to floods due to its position at the end of ravines. Granada, while benefiting from a natural water reservoir in its mountains, faces growth and air dispersion challenges.

Murcia and Alicante's mayors, José Ballesta and Luis Barcala, along with Granada's deputy mayor, Enrique Catalina, participated in the inaugural roundtable of the 'Smart Cities: Digitalisation of the Comprehensive Water Cycle' forum. Organised by La Verdad and Aguas de Murcia, they discussed past, present, and future initiatives for optimising scarce water resources and addressing climate change challenges.

Ballesta highlighted the Murcia Este wastewater treatment plant, which processes 100,000 cubic meters of water daily. He noted that the region reuses 98% of its wastewater, compared to 10% in Spain and 5% in Europe. The plant achieved 61% energy self-sufficiency in 2024 through co-digestion with local industry waste, reaching 70% this month.

Among other projects, Ballesta mentioned the Contraparada water treatment plant, the first to use floating solar panels. Future initiatives include the Vivillo meander, Barriomar Metropolitan Park, and West Connection, aimed at flood prevention and funded by European grants. These projects will create green pathways linking Murcia's orchards with San Andrés, San Antolín, and San Nicolás neighbourhoods.

These initiatives align with Alicante's internationally recognised project: the floodable park of La Marjal. This intervention has prevented frequent flooding in San Juan beach, serving as a large water reservoir for treatment and a recreational area for residents.

Barcala noted that digitalising the water network provided updated information on the pandemic's progression in his city. He mentioned the Circular Water plan, aiming to prevent any water from reaching the sea, while criticising the lack of support from the Ministry and the previous Valencian Government, despite their attempts to claim the project.

Granada's deputy mayor highlighted the city's green belt initiative around its ring road, designed to create garden areas for flood prevention. Enrique Catalina also announced plans to enhance the Genil River's passage through the city and promote the Alhambra's hydraulic marvel during the 2031 Cultural Capital celebrations.