How Does Madrid Get Its Water?

By Robert Palmer

Madrid, the capital city of Spain, is home to more than 3 million people. In a city that size, providing clean and safe water is a crucial task.

So how does Madrid get its water? Let’s explore the process.

Groundwater and Surface Water Sources

Madrid gets its water from both groundwater and surface water sources. The main groundwater source is the Tertiary Aquifer, which lies beneath the city.

This aquifer is made up of layers of sand and gravel that can hold vast amounts of water. The aquifer is recharged by rainwater that soaks into the ground.

Surface water sources include the Lozoya and Guadarrama rivers and their reservoirs. These rivers flow down from the mountains north of Madrid, providing fresh mountain water to the city.

Water Treatment

Once the water has been collected from these sources, it is treated at one of Madrid’s three main treatment plants. The first step in treatment is to remove any large debris or sediment using screens or settling tanks.

After this initial filtration, chemicals such as aluminum sulfate are added to help coagulate any remaining fine particles. The water is then passed through filters made of sand or activated carbon to remove any remaining impurities.

Chlorine or other disinfectants are added to kill any remaining bacteria or viruses in the water before it is sent out into the distribution network.

Distribution Network

The treated water is distributed throughout Madrid via an extensive network of pipes that total more than 12,000 kilometers in length. Water pressure in these pipes is maintained by a series of pumping stations located throughout the city.

Residents can access this clean drinking water directly from their taps at home or from one of many public fountains located throughout Madrid’s parks and plazas.

Conclusion

Providing clean and safe water to a city the size of Madrid is no small task, but the city’s combination of groundwater and surface water sources, state-of-the-art treatment plants, and extensive distribution network ensures that its residents have access to high-quality drinking water.