The last episodes of extreme rain and the spectacular images of large dams by landing water have valued water infrastructure in the Community of Madrid. Mariano González, CEO of Canal de Isabel II, analyzes the challenges of water in the region: why of the rise of rates, key infrastructure and technological innovation, among other issues.
How has the channel responded to the latest extreme climatic episodes?
We have had historical rains in March, with peaks of up to 900 m³/s in the head of Lozoya. The management was almost surgical: precise, orderly and calm. We have an excellent professional team and key infrastructure, such as dams, which allowed to laminate those avenues. Thanks to that management, for the El Atazar reservoir, only 75 m³/s left. This avoided personal and material damage. It must be valued that the dams do not generate floods, they avoid them.
How is it determined how much water disembark in those cases without causing damage?
It is a complex operation based on mathematical calculations, weather forecasts and the knowledge of the capacities of the reservoirs. We always leave shelter to absorb intense rains. Everything is millimeter to avoid uncontrolled avenues.
How are the reservoirs now?
We have reached historical levels. In fact, we have seen spectacular images such as the Atazar Coronation Reliever working, something that has not happened for more than 35 years. But this does not guarantee the future: we must remain prudent.
What about storm tanks?
They are fundamental. Madrid has an impressive network. In fact, the largest storm tank in Europe is here, under the field club. These infrastructure retain and manage rainwater, which is usually loaded with waste, preventing the purifiers from collapsing or rivers are contaminated. They are invisible, but essential.
During the blackout, how was water supply guaranteed in Madrid?
We immediately activate our crisis protocol. We use our own generators to keep operational water plants and pumping systems operational. Our internal communication system, Tetra, was crucial to keep us coordinated. Although the service was not interrupted, we learned lessons to further reinforce our energy autonomy.
Channel has announced investments worth 2,000 million euros until 2030. What are they going to allocate?
To renew the supply network, improve water quality and reinforce purification. We are going to expand water treatment supplies such as colmenar and build more storm tanks. We also support the municipalities with the SANEA Plan. All this is mainly financed by two routes: the water rate and financing of the European Investment Bank.
The 3% rise in the rate has generated some controversy. How do you justify it?
It is a very moderate climb that is being given progressively. The average bill is around 18 euros per month. It is one of the lowest rates in Spain and well below the European average. In addition, there has not been a single allegation against in the period of public information. The increase is necessary to guarantee the quality and sustainability of the service.
As for innovation, what is channel working?
We are leading the implementation of intelligent accountants, which will allow time readings, real -time leak detection and a more fluid and direct relationship with the user. We also bet on renewable energies, such as the Floating Solar Plant of Torrelaguna and the next green hydrogen plant with regenerated water. We want to produce clean energy and convert Canal de Isabel II into a technological reference in Europe.
And as for wastewater analysis, as was done during the pandemic?
The Vigía program was a pioneer. We identify Covid RNA in 300 points of the network. Now we want to apply this technology to other health purposes, such as the detection of drugs or other diseases, always in collaboration with the competent authorities. Wastewater is a valuable source of information.
What are the short and medium term channel priorities?
Continue to provide an excellent service to a population that does not stop growing. This year we have increased by 140,000 inhabitants. You have to live up to it, with more modern networks, expanded purification, infrastructure resilient to climate change, more digitalization and a solvent company, efficient and committed to the environment.