The pilot test will verify the possibility of having complementary resources in season in the face of the existing drought situation.
The Balearic Water and Environmental Quality Agency (Abaqua) this week launched a desalinated water infiltration test in the Santa Eulària aquifer, specifically in the area surrounding the Can Guasch reservoir. This pilot test seeks to determine whether this system can serve as an alternative to provide more water resources in the high season, given the current drought conditions.
After obtaining all the necessary permits and authorisations and installing the measurement and control probes, work began yesterday with the taking of samples at four control points, as well as the water to be infiltrated. This initial analysis will establish a ‘0 situation’ prior to the process, which will make it possible to compare the evolution of the test with reliable data.
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Abaqua begins the desalinated water infiltration trial in the Santa Eulària aquifer
Water will be supplied continuously and at a constant flow rate of 80 m³/h, with a daily volume of 2,000 m³. A total of 100,000 m³ is expected to be reached within approximately two months. The evolution of the process will be monitored in real-time using probes that will measure parameters such as salinity, level and temperature, storing the information for subsequent analysis together with the samples collected at the control points.
The water to be infiltrated will be chemically analysed at least once a week, while samples from the control points will be examined in the laboratory every 15 days. Conclusive results are not expected to be available until after the halfway point of the test, so the first relevant data will be available at the end of March. So far, the process is proceeding normally and without incident, as all the elements were tested and verified before starting the water supply.
The Regional Ministry of the Sea and Water Cycle trusts that the results will confirm the viability of storing water in times of lower demand, allowing it to be used later in times of greater need. The aim is to reinforce the guarantee of supply to the population and mitigate the effects of the drought, exploring all the technical options available to improve water management on the island.