URBAN WATER

Urban water for residents and tourists in Benalmádena, Fuengirola, Mijas, Marbella, Estepona, Casares and Manilva comes from a combination of sources carefully managed to meet water demand. Here is an overview of the main water sources for these regions:

1. La Concepción reservoir (Marbella)

This is the most important water source for the Costa del Sol. The reservoir captures rainwater and supplies water to towns such as Marbella, Estepona, Benalmádena and Mijas.
It is managed by the public water management company Acuamed and regional water companies such as Acosol.
2. Guadalhorce reservoirs (Málaga region)

Water from this reservoir complex is networked to the western Costa del Sol, mainly during periods of drought.
3. Underground water sources (aquifers)

For towns such as Mijas and Casares, groundwater plays a complementary role. These sources are utilised during droughts or high water demand.
4. Desalination plants

In times of scarcity, water is replenished through desalination plants, such as those in Marbella, where they convert seawater into drinking water. This process is important to reduce pressure on reservoirs, especially in dry summers with many tourists.
5. Rainwater collection and reuse

More and more cities are implementing systems for reusing treated water, especially for irrigation, to save drinking water reserves.

6. Network management (Acosol)

Acosol, the water company of the Mancomunidad de Municipios de la Costa del Sol Occidental, manages the distribution and treatment of water in the region. They also coordinate with other agencies to ensure sufficient water supply, including during the tourist high season.
The combination of natural water sources, modern technology and effective management ensures that the water supply for both residents and tourists in these areas is usually reliable, despite periods of drought in southern Spain.