Granollers, Spain
Granollers is the capital of the Vallès Oriental region and part of the second metropolitan area of Barcelona, Spain. The area faces severe challenges from droughts, water scarcity, and potential flooding from the Congost River.
However, strong regional environmental commitment and the use of a reclaimed water network have helped protect both citizens and farmers from water shortages. In 1999, local authorities launched a river restoration initiative through “Can Cabanyes” – a plan the Med-IREN project now aims to carry forward.
Nature-based Solutions
Riverbank restoration
The water reuse network will be protected through the use of carefully selected plant species, rather than cement or riprap restoration techniques, helping to reduce erosion and flood risk. Another planned intervention is the creation of a second wetland.
Phytoremediation
Suitable plants can filter and clean up many types of contaminants including metals, pesticides, explosives, and oil, and transfer reused water to another area. This approach avoids the use of chemical cleaning of polluted areas.
Med-IREN Benefits
Water quality improvement
Water reuse for urban (33%) and environmental (66%) use
Water reuse from 1000 citizens per day
Reduction of the potential flooding and erosion
Environmental education centre for 2000 students per year
Climate Resilience Policies
The main legislation and planning regarding the climate in Catalonia are the Catalan Climate Change Law and the Catalan Strategy for Adapting to Climate Change 2021-2030.
The climate goals of the Catalan Climate Change Law are:
- To ensure that Catalonia reduces its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and promotes the transition to a low-carbon economy.
- To reinforce and expand the strategies and plans developed in recent years.
- To promote and guarantee the coordination of all Catalan public administrations, and to encourage the participation of citizens, social agents, and economic agents.
- To become a leading country in the research and application of new technologies, and to reduce Catalonia’s energy dependence on external energy resources.
- To make Catalonia’s role visible in the world, both in cooperation projects and in participation in global forums of debate on climate change.
For reclaimed water, the associated regulations are as follows:
- Europe: Regulation (EU) 2020/741 on minimum requirements for water reuse for agricultural purposes.
- Spain: Regulation on water reuse was approved by the Royal Decree 1085/2024 on 22 October 2024 s based on risk management and the Risk Management Plan for Reclaimed Water (PGRAR).
- Catalonia: Legislative Decree 3/2003 on November 4, 2003, approved the rewritten text of the water legislation of Catalonia. The Hydrological Plan of Catalonia is within the framework of the National Water Resources Plan (PNRH) and is aligned with the European Union’s Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC).