The Govern has launched the process to plan three new desalination plants in Balears, specifically in Mallorca, Menorca, and Eivissa, with the aim of improving the reliability of water supply in areas facing structural access issues to drinking water.

Desalination plants in Balears

Photo: CAIB.

The Balearic Water and Environmental Quality Agency (ABAQUA), attached to the Department of the Sea and the Water Cycle, has approved the dossier to contract the necessary technical assistance for the full development of the projects. The contract, with a budget of €3.5 million (VAT included), will be financed through the Sustainable Tourism Tax 2024–2025 programme, under the plan ‘Pact for water management and resource guarantee’.

Three desalination plants tailored to each island’s needs

Each facility will have an estimated capacity of 15,000 cubic metres per day and will be located in strategic areas:

  • In Mallorca, the plant will be located in the Llevant area of the island, where aquifers suffer from overexploitation and poor quality. It will allow the high-capacity supply network to reach municipalities with water shortages, reinforcing the current system of underground sources and the Sa Costera spring.

  • In Menorca, the projected desalination plant will serve the Llevant area, affected by high nitrate levels in the aquifers. It will respond to a joint request from the municipalities of Maó, Es Castell, and Sant Lluís.

  • In Eivissa, although three plants are already operational, a fourth one is deemed necessary in the Ponent area. This new facility will reduce reliance on aquifers, prevent costly transfers from other plants, and ensure supply to the municipality of Sant Josep, while also improving preventive maintenance capabilities across the entire system.

A strategic commitment to sustainable water management

The contract also includes studies on location alternatives, seawater intake systems, brine outfalls, hydraulic connections, and regulation tanks, along with all the technical and environmental documentation required to obtain permits and licences.

With this project, the Govern strengthens its commitment to desalination as a key water strategy in response to aquifer depletion on the islands. These new desalination plants in Balears are seen as a crucial measure to tackle drought, climate change, and aquifer overexploitation, according to Govern sources.