Major Gandia water upgrade promises more reliable supplies for residents

Residents in part of Gandia are set to benefit from a major upgrade to the local drinking water network, with almost €500,000 being invested to tackle leaks, pressure problems and interruptions to supply.

Gandia City Council has approved the project for Marxuquera, where ageing infrastructure and the area’s geography have contributed to problems with the water network in recent years.

Work is expected to begin after the Fira i Festes celebrations and will focus on the parts of the network showing the greatest deterioration. The council says the aim is to provide residents with a more stable, efficient and secure water supply.

The urbanisations of Montesol, Xauxa and Molló 3 will be among the main beneficiaries of the improvements.

What will change?

The works will include replacing older pipes, repairing existing leaks and improving water pressure across the network.

The project is also designed to reduce the number of supply cuts, which have been made worse by ageing infrastructure, Marxuquera’s terrain and significant changes in population between winter and summer.

According to the council, technical studies were carried out to examine how the network behaves during periods of particularly high demand.

Mathematical modelling, specialist software and demand forecasting systems were used to identify how the pumping system could be improved and ensure water reaches homes more effectively.

Gandia Mayor José Manuel Prieto said the council had worked with residents, municipal technicians and the city’s water company to identify the causes of the problems and develop a technical solution.

No increase to water bills

One of the key points for residents is that the project will be funded entirely by Gandia City Council.

The investment will not result in an additional cost for Marxuquera residents, nor will it lead to an increase in their water bills, according to the council.

The Marxuquera project forms part of a much wider programme of investment in Gandia’s water infrastructure.

Wider €11 million water programme

The municipality has outlined a total of €11 million in planned investment to modernise its water supply and drainage systems and prepare them for changing demands and increasingly adverse weather events.

Planned projects include a new water tank in the northern area of Gandia beach, an early-warning system for flooding, improvements to the Enginyer Navarro Reverter water tank and waterproofing work on collectors in the Kentucky area.

Further studies and works are also planned to reduce flood risks in areas including the Marenys de Rafalcaid.

The latest programme builds on more than €40 million that Gandia says has been invested in drinking water infrastructure over the past two decades.