El Andalusian government has declared a series of hydraulic projects in the province of Seville of General Interest for the autonomous community with the aim of ensure the supply of purified water to agricultural areas vulnerable to water scarcity. This measure seeks to protect the economy of rural areas closely linked to the agricultural sector and ensure their sustainable development, even during periods of prolonged drought.
The projects, promoted by the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development as part of the Parra Plan, were approved by the Governing Council on March 26. These actions promote the use of reclaimed water on agricultural farms located within the Guadalquivir River basin district, which falls under the jurisdiction of the State. However, it is the Andalusian Government that has taken the initiative in response to the urgent need for effective water alternatives for irrigation.
Six municipalities benefited in a first phase
In this first line of action, Irrigators from Arahal, Carmona, Osuna, Pedrera, Herrera and Fuentes de Andalucía will be eligible., all of which are heavily dependent on water for their agricultural activities. Although they currently lack infrastructure for the use of treated water, they have already received authorization from the Guadalquivir River Basin Authority to develop it.
"The goal is to implement the necessary treatments at those treatment plants that can produce reclaimed water and to install pipelines connecting these facilities to agricultural properties.", explained Isabel Solís, territorial delegate of Agriculture in Seville, during a meeting with irrigators from Arahal and Osuna.
Solís has pointed out that These are the first steps in a broader set of interventions, designed to strengthen the availability of water resources in the province. "We thus contribute to the sustainability of the Seville countryside and a more secure future for our farmers.", he emphasized.
Arahal and Osuna: first projects underway
One of the prominent cores of this strategy is the municipality of Arahal, where the Arahal Irrigation Community, made up of 111 community members and 257 plots, will be one of the first beneficiaries. The total area of the plots amounts to approximately 450 hectares., which depend on water for the development of herbaceous and woody crops.
"It's essential that these farms have alternative resources. Reclaimed water is a real and viable solution, especially in a context of persistent drought like the one we're experiencing.", Solís emphasized. Furthermore, the territorial delegate offered the Delegation's technical support to assist both the Arahal City Council and the irrigators themselves in the administrative procedures.
These actions They will be financed with European funds from the EAFRD (European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development) and are part of the Andalusian Rural Development Program 2014-2022 and the CAP Strategic Plan (PEPAC) 2023-2027.
Meanwhile, in Osuna, the irrigation community is made up of 90 farmers grouped in the cooperative Santa Teresa. The The approval of the Parra Plan has been received with optimism, as it will ensure water supply even in dry years. "These works will enable us to activate a stable source of irrigation, which is key to our economic viability.", representatives of the cooperative have stated.
A global strategy against water scarcity
These first actions They are part of a broader strategy of the Juanma Moreno Government, focused on hydraulic planning that strengthens the resilience of the Andalusian countryside to climate change. "Andalusia cannot afford to lose its agricultural potential due to a lack of resources. The Regional Government will always act, even in the face of inaction by the State, which remains competent in the Guadalquivir basin.", Solís has remarked.
The use of reclaimed water has become one of the pillars of the new water management model promoted by the regional government. Increasing the reuse of treated water not only ensures supply but also contributes to more sustainable management of the water cycle.This approach is especially relevant in provinces like Seville, where water stress is increasingly acute.
The Andalusian Government's commitment to agricultural development translates into specific projects, structural financing and institutional support, both technical and administrative. The Ministry reiterated that these measures respond to data-based planning, feasibility studies, and public-private collaboration.
Coordination with irrigation communities
One of the most notable aspects of the Parra Plan is its participatory approach. The actions are designed in a coordinated manner with the irrigation communities., who convey their real needs on the ground. This collaboration allows projects to be adapted to local reality and ensure their effectiveness.
"Working together with communities is key. They understand the limitations, but also the opportunities, that each area offers.", explained Isabel Solís.
In addition, the Territorial Delegation has launched a specific advisory service to facilitate access to aid, project submission, and compliance with technical and legal requirements. This support is especially important for small farmers, who often lack the resources to undertake complex water engineering projects.
The initiative strengthens the role of Andalusia as leading territory in water innovation policiesIn the face of climate uncertainty, the regional government is prioritizing investments that provide security, sustainability, and added value to the primary sector.
"The future of the Andalusian countryside depends on its ability to adapt. Reusing treated water is one of the most effective and viable solutions, and in Andalusia we are determined to lead this transition.", concludes Solís.
