Madrid Updates Sewer Systems for Flood Control
Why this is here: The sewer project in Alcorcón involves constructing a 660-meter tunnel more than 4.5 meters underground using mining techniques to avoid disrupting traffic above.
Canal de Isabel II is renewing 300 kilometers of sewer systems across 31 municipalities in the Madrid region. The nearly 400 million euro Plan Sanea, launched in 2019, aims to improve responses to heavy rainfall and reduce river pollution. Work includes replacing outdated infrastructure and increasing capacity to handle both rainwater and wastewater.
Alcorcón is renewing 12.8 km of sewer lines with a 24.2 million euro investment, including a 660-meter section constructed using mining techniques to minimize disruption. The project also seeks to prevent flooding and ensure cities can accommodate future growth. Residents contribute to funding through a supplementary fee on their water bills.
Móstoles, Getafe, and Fuenlabrada are among the other municipalities participating in the Plan Sanea. Officials hope to complete the project by 2030 and potentially replicate it in other Spanish regions.