Barcelona is set to expand its rainwater management system with 29 new stormwater tanks, aimed at strengthening the city’s resilience against climate change. The project, which forms part of the Pla Clima, seeks to prevent urban flooding, safeguard residents and property, and reduce pollution on beaches caused by sewage overflows during heavy rainfall.
The new infrastructures will be strategically located across the city following the guidelines of the Plan Director Integral del Saneamiento de Barcelona (PDISBA). Sites include Sant Genís de Horta, Can Dragó, Port Vell, Via Favència, Torrent de Estadella and the Cemetery of Montjuïc, among many others. Several tanks are already in the design or construction phase, including those at Prim, Bac de Roda and Motors.
Currently, Barcelona operates 15 stormwater tanks with a storage capacity of 447,020 cubic metres, ensuring the smooth operation of the city’s 1,985-kilometre sewage network. The upcoming expansion will more than double this capacity, surpassing one million cubic metres.
The scheme is designed to eliminate flood risks from storms recurring every 10 years, and halve the probability of severe floods expected once every 500 years. Beyond flood prevention, the project will significantly cut pollution levels in coastal waters, reinforcing the protection of Barcelona’s seaside ecosystem.
City officials emphasise that these efforts will help Barcelona adapt to intensifying rainfall patterns while maintaining public safety and environmental health.
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