Benidorm at the forefront of using technology to measure its water footprint

Benidorm is positioning itself among the first tourist destinations to use a technological platform to measure its water footprint in line with international standards and parameters. The conclusions of the study were presented at Dinapsis during the event ‘Benidorm: Facing the Water Challenge’, focused on water resources, efficiency and the destination’s resilience in response to the effects of climate change.

The study analyses the city’s main strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities in relation to water management. Among the challenges identified are structural water stress, the still limited development of regenerated water infrastructure and the effects of climate change and demographic growth. As strengths, the document highlights the city’s vertical urban model, municipal management, coastal location and high hydraulic efficiency.

The report also identifies opportunities such as the availability of regenerated water, desalination, access to European funds, the use of innovative technologies and progress towards a more sustainable tourism model. According to the study’s calculations, the implementation of the Regenerated Water Master Plan would reduce Benidorm’s water footprint by 17.6%.

The study also underlines the importance of strengthening awareness campaigns and involving the tourism sector, particularly the hotel sector, so that businesses can measure their own water footprint and adopt specific improvement measures. Measurement is presented as a key tool for establishing a baseline, comparing results and moving towards more efficient water management.

During the event, it was highlighted that Benidorm’s water security should be based on three main pillars: efficient water management, desalination and the use of regenerated water. In this context, the need to continue planning new infrastructure to guarantee the availability of water resources in the Marina Baixa area was also emphasised.

The event concluded with a round table focused on the analysis of the region’s water resources and the role of desalination and water reuse in the future development of the territory. Topics addressed included the need to increase available resources, move towards the highest possible level of reuse and strengthen water planning in order to anticipate future scenarios.

Through this study, Benidorm continues to move forward in responsible water management and in the use of technological tools that make it possible to measure, assess and improve its environmental performance as a tourist destination.