The Sanitary Water Plan (PSA) of Zaragoza is a strategic initiative aimed at ensuring the quality and safety of drinking water supply within the city. This article delves into the various aspects of the PSA, including its objectives, compliance with regulations, risk management strategies, infrastructure, and the commitment of Zaragoza to maintain high-quality water for its residents.
Objectives of the PSA
The primary objective of the Sanitary Water Plan of Zaragoza is to anticipate and mitigate risks that may affect the municipal water supply system. These risks can range from infrastructure failures and malicious attacks to natural disasters and adverse climatic events. In an era increasingly impacted by climate change and potential threats to water security, it is essential to have a comprehensive plan that ensures a continuous and quality water supply.
The PSA adopts a proactive rather than reactive approach, enabling the city to respond effectively to any situation that could compromise water supply. Continuous monitoring and anticipating potential issues are essential pillars in safeguarding public health and maintaining citizens’ trust in the quality of their drinking water.
Regulations and compliance
One of the key highlights of the PSA is its adherence to the stringent regulations set forth by the European Union regarding the quality of drinking water. Zaragoza complies with Royal Decree 3/2023, which outlines the technical and health criteria needed to ensure that drinking water meets required standards. This alignment with European guidelines not only reinforces the quality of drinking water but also reflects the city’s commitment to best international practices in water management.
Risk identification and management
The PSA goes beyond mere identification of risks, incorporating management strategies tailored to the specific needs of Zaragoza. Through comprehensive risk assessments, plan administrators have evaluated factors such as the likelihood of occurrences and the severity of potential impacts. A detailed study has been conducted to identify risk areas, and while no critical points requiring immediate corrective measures have been detected, multiple preventive measures have been established.
These preventive measures are designed to minimize any potential risks that may arise, thereby ensuring that the population consistently has access to high-quality drinking water. This risk management is deemed crucial not only for protecting the water supply but also for fostering citizens’ confidence in the institutions responsible for guaranteeing the service.
Infrastructure and control
The infrastructure supporting Zaragoza’s water supply system is extensive and complex, consisting of approximately 1,300 kilometers of pipelines and around 14,500 shut-off valves. This network ensures a continuous and safe flow of drinking water throughout the city. Additionally, the establishment of 73 monitoring points along the water supply network facilitates ongoing oversight of water quality.
These control points include supply sources, treatment facilities such as the Casablanca Drinking Water Treatment Plant (ETAP), storage tanks, and various sectors along the distribution system. Continuous monitoring ensures that any deviation from quality parameters is swiftly detected and corrected, thus guaranteeing that the water reaching households complies with established health standards.
Participation and coordination
The success of Zaragoza’s Sanitary Water Plan is rooted in the collaboration among various municipal sections and units. Different entities, such as the Municipal Institute of Public Health and other offices dedicated to drinking water management and infrastructure supervision, have worked collectively to develop the plan. This coordination not only optimizes resource utilization but also ensures a swift and effective response to any water supply-related eventualities.
Including multiple entities in the water management process ensures a range of perspectives and expertise, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the PSA.
Commitment to water quality
In 2023, the Casablanca treatment plant processed a total of 60 hectometers cubed of water, of which a significant 80% originated from the Yesa reservoir in the Pyrenees. This focus on quality water sources illustrates the city’s efforts to align water supply with public health and sustainability objectives.
Looking ahead to 2024, the Zaragoza City Council has decided to increase the budget allocated for water sourcing by 28%. This increase aims to capture up to 90% of the water from Yesa, underscoring the city’s commitment to providing high-quality drinking water and reflecting a deliberate effort to adapt to changing environmental conditions and water demand.