The expansion of the Besòs water treatment plant, a crucial project for Catalonia’s water infrastructure, is nearing completion and will significantly improve water availability in the region. The plant, located near the Besòs river, is undergoing a major upgrade, quadrupling its capacity and bolstering the region’s resilience against future droughts.

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Sílvia Paneque, the Consellera de Territorio, Vivienda y Transición Ecológica (Minister for Territory, Housing and Ecological Transition) of the Generalitat de Catalunya, recently visited the construction site on February 21, 2026. During her visit, she described the plant as:

The first step to materialise and consolidate the strategy for the water transition in Catalonia.

This was reported by Metrópoli Abierta. Paneque emphasized the project’s importance for ensuring a sustainable water supply, especially given recent droughts’ impact on the region and its economy.

Project Details and Investment

The expansion project, which commenced in 2024, involves a total investment of €51 million. Ignacio Escudero, Director General of Aigües de Barcelona, confirmed this. The Department of Territory, Housing and Ecological Transition of the Generalitat de Catalunya has approved a direct subsidy of €34.8 million for the expansion of the Planta Potabilizadora del Besòs (ETAP Besòs), thereby aiding the ongoing works.

The project includes constructing two new wells in Montcada i Reixac, each capable of treating 200 litres of water per second. Agència Catalana de l’Aigua (ACA) oversees these works. Additionally, the plant will incorporate a direct water intake from the Besòs river, with a capacity of up to 270 litres per second. Significantly, this marks the first time surface water from the Besòs will be treated for potable use.

Advanced Technology and Increased Capacity

The expanded plant will utilise advanced water treatment technologies, including ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis. These techniques will ensure the highest quality of drinking water. They will also significantly increase potable water production, reaching a maximum treatment capacity of 800 litres per second by the end of 2026, according to Paneque.

Paneque noted,

These works are of utmost complexity,

citing the presence of railway lines and electrical installations surrounding the plant as significant challenges. Despite these complexities, the project is in its final stages and will reach its maximum treatment capacity in the summer of 2026. Paneque also stated the expansion is the first step to not relying on rain in the future, as reported by La Vanguardia.

Addressing Water Scarcity in Catalonia

The expansion of the Besòs water treatment plant is a vital step towards addressing water scarcity concerns in Catalonia. The region has faced increasing challenges from climate change and recurring droughts, impacting both its population and economy. By increasing potable water availability, the project aims to enhance the region’s resilience and ensure a sustainable water supply for the future. Indeed, El Nacional.cat reports the plant will quadruple its capacity, allowing Catalonia to no longer depend on rainfall. The Generalitat de Catalunya views this project as a critical component of its broader strategy for water transition and sustainable development.

The completion of the Besòs water treatment plant expansion will mark a significant milestone in Catalonia’s efforts to secure its water future. It will provide a reliable and sustainable source of potable water for the region. The upgrades are particularly important to the Barcelona Metropolitan Area, which relies on the Besòs river basin for part of its water supply.

Both Retema and iAgua reported the upgrades and expansion will cost around €35 million. Escudero said, “This project will treat the surface water of the Besòs river for the first time, highlighting the innovative approach and the significance of utilising this previously untapped water source.”

Crucially, the Besòs Purification Plant stands as a pivotal project for Barcelona.

With the project on track for completion this summer, Catalonia is poised to benefit from a significantly enhanced water supply, bolstering its resilience in the face of ongoing climate challenges.

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