Spain is currently facing an acute water crisis driven by persistent water scarcity, overexploitation of aquifers, and the escalating impacts of climate change. These challenges are compounded by population growth, high agricultural demand, and widespread contamination of water sources. In this context, optimizing water use across all sectors is critical to safeguarding this essential resource for future generations.
One significant area for improvement is the cleaning and maintenance of water cisterns, which are widely used in the agrifood sector and beyond. According to Royal Decree 487/2022, the Ministry of Health’s Technical Guide, and the UNE-EN ISO 100030:2023 Standard, the current cistern cleaning protocol involves four main steps: draining all stored water, cleaning and disinfecting with fresh water and chemicals, neutralizing and rinsing with additional fresh water, and finally refilling the cistern with potable water. While effective for ensuring water quality, this process results in substantial water wastage, as the initial draining discards potentially usable water.
The project proposes a simple yet impactful modification to this protocol: eliminating the initial draining step and instead utilizing the already stored water for the cleaning and disinfection process. This adjustment significantly reduces the volume of water consumed during maintenance without compromising hygiene or safety standards. By aligning with existing regulations and technical guidelines, the new protocol ensures compliance and facilitates seamless adoption.
The project will begin with pilot trials in cisterns serving the agrifood sector, where water demand and conservation needs are particularly acute. However, the methodology is designed for broad applicability and can be extrapolated to any sector or industry that relies on cistern-based water storage. The standardized approach, grounded in nationally recognized procedures, guarantees scalability and replicability across Spain’s diverse regions and industries.
The expected benefits of this optimized protocol are multifaceted and align with the three pillars of sustainability—environmental, economic, and social. Environmentally, the method conserves water, a resource under severe stress, and reduces the carbon footprint associated with water treatment and supply. Economically, it lowers operational costs for businesses and institutions by minimizing water usage and associated expenses. Socially, it ensures the continued supply of high-quality water to communities and industries, supporting public health and well-being.
Moreover, the project directly contributes to several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). By promoting responsible water management and innovative operational practices, the initiative helps advance Spain’s broader sustainability agenda.
In summary, this project offers a practical, regulation-compliant solution to reduce water consumption in cistern cleaning operations. Its implementation promises immediate and measurable benefits for water conservation, cost savings, and sustainability. The protocol’s nationwide applicability, combined with its potential for replication in other water-stressed regions, positions it as a scalable model for resource-efficient water management in Spain and beyond.
Project Partners
