Madrid is the largest city and capital of Spain, home to over 3.2 million people. With such a large population, it’s crucial for the city to have a reliable water source. But where does Madrid get its water?
History of Madrid’s Water Supply
Madrid has a long history when it comes to its water supply. In the early days, the city relied on wells and the Manzanares River for fresh water.
However, as the population grew, these sources became insufficient to meet the demand. In 1858, a new system was constructed that brought water from the Lozoya River in the mountains north of Madrid.
The Lozoya River
The Lozoya River is one of the main sources of Madrid’s water supply today. The river originates in the Sierra de Guadarrama mountain range and flows into several reservoirs before reaching Madrid. The largest of these reservoirs is called El Atazar, which can hold up to 425 million cubic meters of water.
The Canal de Isabel II
To transport water from the Lozoya River to Madrid, a canal was constructed called Canal de Isabel II. This canal spans over 73 miles and has an average width of 12 meters. It was named after Queen Isabella II who authorized its construction in 1851.
Other Sources
In addition to the Lozoya River, Madrid also gets some of its water from underground aquifers and other reservoirs such as Santillana and Pedrezuela.
Water Treatment
Before being distributed to homes and businesses in Madrid, all water goes through an extensive treatment process. This process includes several steps such as coagulation, flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection, and pH correction.
- Coagulation: Chemicals are added to the water to help particles clump together.
- Flocculation: Slow mixing allows the clumps to grow larger and heavier.
- Sedimentation: The heavy clumps settle to the bottom of a tank and are removed.
- Filtration: Water is passed through layers of sand and gravel to remove any remaining particles.
- Disinfection: Chlorine or other disinfectants are added to kill any remaining bacteria or viruses.
- pH Correction: Chemicals are added to adjust the pH level of the water to ensure it’s not too acidic or alkaline.
Conclusion
Madrid’s water supply is a crucial part of daily life for its residents. From the Lozoya River to underground aquifers, Madrid has several sources of fresh water. And with an extensive treatment process, Madrid’s tap water is safe and clean for drinking and everyday use.