Water companies will install around 17,000 smart meters across Marbella, Benhavis and Estepona in a bid to detect leaks and reduce waste
The aim of achieving a fully digitalised water supply has been set by Spain’s Costa del Sol. In pursuit of this goal, Hidralia, Aguas de Benahavís, Acosol, and the town halls of Marbella, Estepona and Benahavís have collaborated to present a Strategic Project for Economic Recovery and Transformation (PERTE). This project seeks to safeguard the scarce water resources that are under threat due to climate change.
An initiative with a budget of approximately 16 million euros has been launched to achieve “the digital transformation of the integral urban water cycle” in Costa del Sol. The collaboration between Hidralia, Aguas de Benahavís, Acosol, and the town halls of Marbella, Estepona and Benahavís has requested a grant of around 10 million euros from the European Next Generation funds. The initiative is aimed at benefiting around 565,000 inhabitants.
Installation of sensors
The first step of this project involves deploying sensors at strategic points in the water system, from the collection of water to its return to the natural environment, to take advantage of technology, including Artificial Intelligence. This will provide objective and real-time data, resulting in a greater knowledge of the different phases. Hidralia has stated that “monitoring the main water parameters and analyzing them will maximize the efficiency of the processes related to the management of the resource.”
Additionally, the project will subsidise the installation of over 17,000 smart meters in homes and businesses, doubling the current number of customers using this service. These users will be able to remotely monitor their water consumption on a daily and hourly basis. Alerts will also be sent out to warn of unusually high volumes of consumption and possible leaks.
Read more about water shortages on the Costa del Sol:
Acosol warns of possible water shortages
Rain storms top up Malaga reservoirs with just two months of water
