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Cádiz water experts: small bill hikes today prevent big crises tomorrow
Conference calls for cost-reflective tariffs to fund vital infrastructure amid droughts
If you've ever turned on the tap without a second thought, a recent conference in Cádiz wants you to think again. Experts from water companies and mayors gathered at the Casa de Iberoamérica this Tuesday for 'The Province of Cádiz Facing the Coming Water Crisis', agreeing that Spain's low water bills, just 0.98% of household budgets, aren't covering essential investments. In Europe, costs run two or three times higher."Pumping a ton of water up to the eighth floor of a building in Spain costs an average of €2.23," explained Jesús Maza, president of the Spanish Urban Water Association Daquas. "We must remove water from the political debate; we must stop using it as a political weapon during elections because it's outrageous." Mayors on the panel nodded along, stressing tariffs need adjusting to match real costs, but only if it means better service through infrastructure upgrades.
“The miracle of turning on the tap every morning is considered a given,” added Andrés Díaz, president of the Cádiz Water Consortium. In Cádiz alone, Aguas de Cádiz manages nearly 200 km of pipes to prevent leaks from this precious, drought-stressed resource. José Manuel Alcántara from Arcgisa warned, “When public companies provide a service below cost, we are cheating citizens,” as shortfalls lead to unproductive financial burdens.
Lucas Díaz, Aqualia Spain director, wrapped up with a clear message: “Paying a little more for water today will save us problems tomorrow.” He highlighted the need for public-private partnerships - Aqualia has poured nearly €200 million into Cádiz recently – plus smarter planning to speed up projects. “We cannot be investing a huge amount of resources in R&D and take 20 years to execute the projects.”
Andalusia's water infrastructure chief Álvaro Real shared progress: reclaimed water production jumped from 17 to 70 cubic hectometres in six years, aiming for 170 community-wide and 20 in Cádiz province over the next 15 years. It's all about maintenance, recycling, desalination, and a long-term water pact to face drier times ahead.
For locals feeling the drought pinch, these voices make a compelling case: modest tariff tweaks now could secure reliable water for years to come.
You might also be interested in: Is the tap water safe to drink in Spain?
Image: Nithin PA/Pexels
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