Managed Aquifer Recharge with reclaimed water, a system to combat water stress.
A third of the territory of the European Union suffers water stress. Droughts are becoming more frequent and intense, especially in regions with seasonal demands that compromise the availability of natural water resources.
The LIFE Matrix project aims to demonstrate the technical, environmental and sanitary viability of a Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) system using reclaimed water and treated wastewater subjected to complementary treatment processes for reuse.
The system proposed by LIFE Matrix combines the application of Nature Based Solutions (NBS) for additional water treatment with strict control of quality parameters in the three phases (water, soil and aquifer) to ensure optimal quality of recharged water.
In this way, 50,000 m3 of reclaimed water will be reused to recharge aquifers, increasing available groundwater resources by 15%. This project will demonstrate its solution on the Costa del Sol at the La Víbora Wastewater Treatment Plant (Marbella), managed by ACOSOL, a public company belonging to the Commonwealth of Municipalities of the Western Costa del Sol.
The LIFE Matrix project, co-financed by the LIFE Programme of the European Commission, is coordinated by Cetaqua Andalucía, with the participation of Cetaqua Barcelona, the Center for Hydrogeology of the University of Malaga (CEHIUMA) and ACOSOL. In addition, the initiative also has the support of local entities such as the Junta de Andalucía, the Marbella City Council, the Commonwealth of Municipalities of the Western Costa del Sol and Hidralia.
