Water is a limited resource, especially in island environments like the Canary Islands. Therefore, moving towards a more sustainable and circular model for its management is not just an option, but an urgent necessity. In this context, Elmasa is participating in a strategic project that will give new life to treated water in Tenerife. In collaboration with Canaragua and Satocan, Elmasa has been awarded the contract for the implementation of tertiary treatment at the Buenos Aires Wastewater Treatment Plant, within the metropolitan sanitation and wastewater treatment system promoted by the Tenerife Island Water Council. This project represents a key step forward for water reuse on the island and consolidates Elmasa's role as a technological leader in the field of hydraulic infrastructure.
The main objective of the project is to improve the quality of water already treated at the Buenos Aires wastewater treatment plant so that it can be safely reused for agricultural, industrial, or environmental purposes. To achieve this, a tertiary treatment solution using Reversible Electrodialysis (EDR) will be implemented. This advanced technology allows for the efficient removal of salts and other contaminants with low energy consumption.
Elmasa is playing a key technical role in this project, leading the design, development, and implementation of the necessary hydraulic solutions. With over 50 years of experience, the company contributes not only technical expertise but also an integrated vision based on efficiency, innovation, and public commitment. “This project not only improves the island's water infrastructure but also actively contributes to saving drinking water and utilizing reclaimed resources. It is a clear example of technology at the service of sustainability,” emphasizes Gustavo Gómez Jiménez, Director of Business Development, Engineering, and Projects at Elmasa.
The project will have a 27-month implementation period and is estimated to allow the reuse of 30.000 cubic meters of water per day, reducing pressure on groundwater resources and contributing to improved water security in Tenerife. Its main benefits include increased water availability for agricultural irrigation, savings in drinking water for uses that can be met with reclaimed water, the creation of technical and specialized jobs, and alignment with EU environmental objectives and the European Green Deal.
Reversible electrodialysis (EDR) is a membrane technology that uses electric fields to separate ions from water, achieving high levels of purification with lower energy consumption than other methods. This solution is perfectly suited to island contexts where resources are scarce and efficiency is paramount. “At Elmasa, we believe that access to water cannot depend on chance or geography. These types of solutions allow us to guarantee a sustainable supply in an environment with growing challenges such as climate change and pressure on aquifers,” adds Gustavo Gómez.
This project is part of a broader strategy by the Tenerife Island Water Council to modernize the island's water infrastructure and move towards a circular water economy model, in which the resource is used to its fullest potential before being discarded. For Elmasa, the project also represents an opportunity to further demonstrate its technological and operational capabilities in the Canary Islands, as well as the Balearic Islands, Andalusia, and the rest of the Mediterranean region, where the company continues its expansion.
