For many years, other countries around the world have frowned upon Spain for its use of perfectly good drinking water systems on its thousands of kilometres of beaches for the cleaning of sandy feet, criticising the drought-troubled country for such a waste. However, the tide is turning with new technology about to one trialed on La Malagueta beach in Malaga.
Malaga local authorities have begun construction on a pioneering new system to supply the city’s beach foot-washing taps with saltwater, a measure aimed at reducing consumption from the local water network.
€80,000 to save drinking water from wasteful foot showers
The project, which carries an investment of €80,000, involves drilling a 30-metre-deep well on Malagueta Beach. This well will be the source of the seawater. Once operational, a pump will use this well to supply the 13 existing foot-washing stations located between the Levante promenade breakwater and the Antonio Martín restaurant.
Key Details:
- System Source: A new, 30-metre-deep well on Malagueta Beach.
- Coverage: 13 foot-washing stations between the Levante promenade breakwater and the Antonio Martín restaurant.
- Goal: Reduce consumption of fresh municipal potable water, aligning with drought response and sustainability efforts.
- Cost: The estimated total budget for the pilot project is €80,000.
- Timeline: The system is expected to be up and running by the summer season of 2026.
The entire infrastructure will be located under walkways, ensuring “no visual impact.” This initiative is described as a “pilot and innovative project”, the performance of which will be analysed with the aim of potentially expanding it along to other Malaga beaches and eventually the rest of the Costa del Sol.
During the last two years, all beaches were ordered to shut down the water supply in order to save vital supplies. Some beaches frequently defied the order, such as Cabo Pino in Marbella, but the action made beach users more conscious of the misuse of water. So far there is no word on if the plan will extend to regular beach showers.