Study proposes creation of lagoon to resolve flooding issues in the Arenal
It would cover an area of some 50,000 square metres and have a maximum depth of two metres, providing a storage capacity of 100,000 cubic metres, four times more than a normal storm tank.
Tuesday 13th December 2022 – Mike Smith
Source: Ajuntament de Xàbia
The municipal water company AMJASA has present the first conclusions of a technical study to revolve flooding issues in the Arenal zone which proposes the creation of a lagoon next to Avenida dels Tamarits, adjacent to the low-lying Saladar, into which rainwater can be redirected during periods of heavy rain.
The results of the analysis carried out by a specialist engineering team from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya were presented at a meeting of the Observatorio de Agua which concluded that the only option to reduce the chance of flooding the Arenal was to create a high-storage capacity reservoir capable of storing most of the rainwater that normally floods the low-lying areas of the zone.
Related Link: Council seeks solution for Arenal flooding
It would cover an area of some 50,000 square metres and have a maximum depth of two metres, providing a storage capacity of 100,000 cubic metres, four times more than a normal storm tank. Rainwater would be redirected into the lagoon through a pumping system that would be capable of operating during periods of heavy rain and then drained directly into the sea through the existing channel Séquia de la Nòria using pumps.
The study looked at several options to resolve the flooding problem, including changes to the existing drainage system, the creation of a storm tank, and the improvement of the drainage system into the sea to prevent obstruction by sand and seaweed. However, none of these options would ensure that the Arenal zone would become free from flooding, the ultimate objective of the town hall in Xàbia, especially when taking into account the increasingly common occurrence of torrential rains in the region.
Related Link: AMJASA hires technical consultancy to propose measures to reduce Arenal flooding
The technical proposal was presented to the Observatorio de Agua, a citizen participation body which gives public voice in water policies, as a step prior to its debate and analysis at a political level.
Mayor José Chulvi has also passed on the results of the study to the Arenal business association which has shown its concern about the flooding problem in the area and positively assessed that the study addresses a complex problem caused by decades of urban planning which now requires comprehensive and medium-term solutions.
Related Link: Work is being carried out in Avenida de la Libertad in the Arenal to prevent flooding
Original Article: Un estudio propone crear una laguna junto al Saladar para redirigir los pluviales y acabar con la inundabilidad del Arenal
