Lorraine Williamson
A new water pipeline is under construction in northern Córdoba to connect the El Arenoso reservoir with the Montoro treatment plant. The project will provide a more reliable drinking water supply for approximately 44,000 residents in the Alto Guadalquivir area of Andalucia.
The region has faced chronic water shortages, worsened by increasingly frequent droughts and inconsistent rainfall patterns. The new link will reduce reliance on the Martín Gonzalo reservoir, a source that has struggled to meet long-term demand.
Chosen route balances cost, efficiency, and environmental impact
The Ministry for Ecological Transition examined several possible options before settling on the El Arenoso route. According to Cordópolis, the decision was based on a combination of technical feasibility and lower ecological impact.
Unlike other options, such as reviving a disused reservoir or tapping into the higher Yeguas reservoir, the El Arenoso route avoids protected areas. It also keeps construction and maintenance costs relatively low.
Project coordinated by Guadalquivir water authority
The Confederación Hidrográfica del Guadalquivir (CHG) is leading the project. CHG is responsible for managing water resources across the basin and has prioritised infrastructure aimed at improving drought resilience.
The pipeline’s construction is expected to take nine months, with a total cost of just over €103,000, including VAT. Officials say the project will be carried out with minimal environmental disruption.
Experts call for coordinated water governance
While the pipeline is a step forward, water specialists stress the need for broader reforms in resource management. Excessive groundwater use, particularly in agriculture, remains a key threat to long-term sustainability.
Experts are calling for more integrated planning between environmental authorities and farming interests to ensure sufficient ecological water flow and reduce over-extraction.
Preparing for a drier future
With climate models predicting increased aridity across southern Spain, projects like this are seen as essential for local resilience. The new pipeline is expected to stabilise drinking water availability for thousands, while supporting sustainable resource use in the wider Guadalquivir basin.