Agamed reinforces Torrevieja flood protection with 37 kilometres of storm drains

Agamed, the water management company chaired by Torrevieja mayor Eduardo Dolón, has presented and approved its 2025 Sustainable Development Report, which highlights hydraulic infrastructure investment and flood prevention as core management priorities. The document outlines a network consisting of 37.6 kilometres of stormwater conduits and a storage capacity of 64,738 cubic metres, spread across nine strategic areas throughout Torrevieja, including two major floodable parks.

These installations are designed to temporarily retain and safely evacuate rainwater, helping to mitigate flood risks and limit their impact on the urban landscape. The report also highlights an investment of €3.9 million dedicated to stormwater infrastructure within the port area, alongside ongoing upgrades and improvements to water supply and sanitation networks.

Eduardo Dolón emphasised the ongoing commitment to developing infrastructure capable of meeting environmental challenges, incorporating smart stormwater management systems linked to environmental protection and community wellbeing.

Nine storage areas for heavy rainfall A key finding in the report is the 64,738 cubic metre stormwater retention capacity, equivalent to more than 64.7 million litres. This capacity is distributed across nine strategic locations and incorporates two large floodable parks. These areas combine traditional hydraulic engineering with nature-based solutions, providing temporary water storage during heavy rainfall and facilitating controlled drainage to reduce pressure on the wider urban network.

The stormwater network spans 37,600 metres, comprising 35.7 kilometres of gravity-fed pipes and 1.9 kilometres of pumping mains. The report also notes the integration of dynamic hydro-diffusers to minimise runoff pollution and enhance the environmental quality of Torrevieja.

Port investment Among the key interventions, the document details €3.9 million invested in the port area, incorporating hydrodynamic separators into the stormwater management system. This initiative combines drainage improvements with the treatment of runoff pollutants, ensuring that rainwater management addresses both hydraulic capacity and environmental protection.

These measures form part of Torrevieja’s ongoing adaptation to increasingly frequent and severe torrential rainfall events.

New floodable park

The sustainable infrastructure plan also features a new multifunctional floodable park in Aguas Nuevas, scheduled for imminent opening, backed by an investment exceeding €1 million and covering more than 4,100 square metres. The design integrates sustainable stormwater management with public recreation spaces, including a skatepark and sports zone built into the urban drainage system.

The project features over 1,500 square metres of rain gardens and sustainable drainage solutions utilising native vegetation and biodiversity measures, representing a 20% increase in naturalised public space while serving as a climate refuge.

Water supply and sanitation upgrades Alongside stormwater projects, the report details financial investments directed towards modernising the broader hydraulic system in Torrevieja, totalling €3,525,568 in 2025 across network renewals and investments.

Improvements to the supply network aim to optimise distribution and reduce leakage from pipe fractures, while sanitation enhancements increase wastewater and drainage capacity, prevent infiltration, and address odour issues. The drinking water network spans 709.39 kilometres, supported by nine storage reservoirs with a combined capacity of 38,200 cubic metres and four pumping stations. During the year, the service supplied 10.637 million cubic metres of water to 129,575 customers.

Maintenance and environmental management Preventative maintenance remains central to infrastructure upkeep. Agamed oversees 343.4 kilometres of sewerage network and 36 pumping stations. Throughout 2025, teams cleaned 322 kilometres of sewers and 5,513 gullies while inspecting 174,051 metres of network using closed-circuit television cameras.

Preventative efforts involved 2,203 hours of scheduled cleaning and fault response, alongside 1,164 metres of renewed network and the installation of 185 sealed manhole covers. The report highlights the impact of public cooperation, noting the removal of 221 tonnes of non-biodegradable waste, such as wet wipes and masks, from the network during the year.

Resource management measures saw Agamed reuse 8,105,796 tonnes of purified water for agricultural irrigation, representing 100% of treated water. Furthermore, 11,555 tonnes of sewage sludge were valorised, with the vast majority directed to agricultural use. The company also fulfilled 100% of its electricity supply needs through renewable sources and operates a photovoltaic installation in Torreblanca generating over 60,000 kilowatt-hours annually.

Social support The report outlines social initiatives undertaken during 2025, noting that the Social Fund allocated €374,868 to assist 1,044 families in Torrevieja with water bill payments, in coordination with municipal social services. An additional €739,288 was provided through interest-free payment arrangements.