Where Does Madrid Get Its Water From?

By Michael Ferguson

Madrid, the capital of Spain, is a city known for its rich history, culture, and architecture. But have you ever wondered where Madrid gets its water from? In this article, we will explore the sources of water for Madrid and how it is treated to make it drinkable.

Sources of Water

Madrid gets its water from various sources such as rivers, reservoirs, and groundwater. The main sources of water for Madrid are the rivers Manzanares and Lozoya. The river Lozoya is the most important source as it supplies around 70% of the total water consumed in Madrid.

The river Lozoya originates in the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains and flows through several towns before reaching Madrid. It is dammed at several points to form reservoirs which store water that is later used for consumption in Madrid.

Water Treatment

Before the water reaches our taps, it undergoes an extensive treatment process to make it clean and safe for consumption. The treatment process includes several stages such as coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, disinfection, and fluoridation.

Coagulation: In this stage, chemicals are added to the water which causes impurities to clump together forming larger particles called floc.

Sedimentation: The floc settles at the bottom of a tank due to gravity forming sediment which is then removed.

Filtration: The sediment-free water passes through several layers of filters made up of sand and gravel to remove any remaining impurities.

Disinfection: To kill any remaining bacteria or viruses in the water, chemicals like chlorine or ozone are added.

Fluoridation: Finally, fluoride is added to improve dental health by strengthening tooth enamel.

Conservation Efforts

Despite having multiple sources of water, Madrid faces a water shortage during the summer months due to increased demand and lower rainfall. To address this, the city has implemented several conservation measures such as promoting the use of low-flow showerheads, reducing watering of public parks and gardens, and encouraging water-saving habits among its citizens.

Conclusion

In summary, Madrid gets its water from various sources such as rivers and reservoirs. The water undergoes an extensive treatment process before it is ready for consumption. With increasing awareness about conservation efforts, Madrid is taking steps to ensure that it has enough clean and safe water for its citizens in the future.