Water. in Catalonia. Water in Catalonia 1

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1 Water in Catalonia Water in Catalonia 1

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3 Publishing: Catalan Water Agency Design and layout: Ondeuev Print: Agpograf Impressors D.L.: BIBLIOTECA DE CATALUNYA - DADES CIP Water in Catalonia : diagnosis and proposed actions : significant water management issues raised within the compilation of the River Basin District Management Plan for Catalonia I. Agència Catalana de l Aigua II. Catalunya. Departament de Medi Ambient i Habitatge 1. Recursos hidràulics Explotació Catalunya 628.1(467.1) Water in Catalonia 3

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5 Water in Catalonia Diagnosis and proposed actions Significant water management issues raised within the compilation of the River Basin District Management Plan for Catalonia Pursuant to Article 14(b) of the Hydrological Planning Regulation (Decree 380/2006) June 2008 Water in Catalonia 5

6 Contents INTRODUCTION... 6 RIVER BASINS OF CATALONIA MAIN PROBLEMS IDENTIFIED IN THE WATER MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR CATALONIA Do we have enough water in Catalonia? What is the state of water in Catalonia?...20 What is the cost of water? PROPOSED ACTIONS What can we do in order to have enough water in Catalonia? What can we do to solve our water quality problems? What are the economic costs of sustainable water use? PUBLIC PARTICIPATION ANNEX I. ANALYSIS OF PRESSURES AND IMPACTS ON THE WATER BODIES OF CATALONIA... 74

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8 Introduction The demands of today s society and the state of the environment have led to an appreciation that water is not only a resource of humanity but also an indispensable structural and functional element of the natural world. With the aim of giving voice to this concept and guaranteeing management based on sustainability, the European Community produced its Water Policy Framework Directive (2000/60/EC), commonly known as the Water Framework Directive (hereinafter the WFD). The WFD represents a major shift in water management, its aim being to guarantee the good status of water systems, in terms of both quantity and quality, by means of the sustainable use of water based on the long-term preservation of water resources. The aim of the WFD for 2015 is to a- chieve a good status of water, requiring the definition of a River Basin District Management Plan for Catalonia in pursuance of the Hydrological Planning Regulation (Decree 380/2006, of 10 October 2006) which is expected to be approved by the end of The WFD establishes four key aspects in achieving sustainability: 1. Environmental sustainability: achieving a good status of water bodies and complying with the principle of non-deterioration. 2. Rationality in the use of resources through integrated management combined with effective management of demand. 3. Economic sustainability, assessing all the costs (financial, resource and environmental) while working towards full recovery. This will require a costeffectiveness analysis of the measures to be adopted in implementing the WFD. 4. Social sustainability, understood as proactive public involvement through information and consultation processes involved in the decisions taken. This document complies with Article 14(b) of the Hydrological Planning Regulation, which calls for the preparation, publication and public dissemination of a provisional outline of the most significant issues raised within the Catalan River Basin District in order to draw up the Management Plan. The document provides a summary of the four key aspects of sustainability established in the WFD. In terms of the rationality of the use of resources, the main problems involved in guaranteeing resources are analysed. For the analysis of environmental sustainability, different issues and possible operational approaches are analysed. With regards to economic sustainability, a cost analysis has been performed. As for social sustainability, the relevant public participation and consensus procedures are presented. The document is intended to serve as a tool for reflection in developing the various plans and programmes in a coordinated manner with one single goal: that of drawing up the Management Plan.

9 Water in Catalonia 9

10 River basins of Catalonia According to the terms of the 1999 Water Regulation, Management and Taxation Act (Law 6/1999), the territory of Catalonia is divided into two hydrographic areas: The Catalan river basin district (internal hydrographic basins), covering the Rivers Muga, Fluvià, Ter, Daró, Tordera, Besòs, Llobregat, Foix, Gaià, Francolí and Riudecanyes, and all coastal streams between the French border and the outflow of the River Sénia. This occupies an area of 16,423 km 2, representing 52% of the territory of Catalonia, a region which is home to 92% of the Catalan population, and over which the Catalan Water Agency (ACA) has full authority (Legislative Decree 3/2003, of 4 November 2003). The interregional hydrographic basins, comprising the Catalan section of the basins of the Rivers Ebro, Garona and Xúquer (the Catalan part of the Sénia), under the terms established in the current legislation. They cover a surface area of some 15,567 km 2, representing 48% of the surface area of Catalonia, housing the remaining 8% of the Catalan population. Within these basins the ACA administers and controls hydraulic usage, has the executive role of policing the public hydraulic domain and processes any relevant official proceedings, except for the granting of concessions (Legislative Decree 3/2003 of 4 November 2003). It also acts in the field of sewerage, in accordance with the terms of the Ebro basin management plan (Law 11/2005, of 22 June 2005), implementing the Wastewater Treatment Plan of Catalonia while also investing in and implementing upstream supply works. The Catalan Water Agency will draw up and approve the River Basin District Management Plan for Catalonia, while for those Catalan basins which fall within the limits of the hydrographic demarcations of the Ebro (Catalan part of the Rivers Noguera Pallaresa, Noguera Ribagorçana, Segre and the headwaters of the Garona) and of the Xúquer (Catalan part of the Sénia), the Catalan Water Agency will draw up management proposals for incorporation within the corresponding Management Plans for each Hydrographic Demarcation. As a whole, the River Basin District Management Plan for Catalonia, and the proposals for the Management Plans of the Hydrographic Demarcations within the territory of Catalonia, are referred to as the Water Management Plan for Catalonia (PGAC in its Catalan abbreviation).

11 Catalan water systems Internal hydrographic basins Interregional hydrographic basins Water in Catalonia 11

12 1 Main problems identified in the water management plan for Catalonia do we have enough water in catalonia? What is the demand for water in Catalonia? Total demand for water in Catalonia for all consumption uses amounts to 3,123 hm 3 /year, equivalent to a constant rate of flow of 100 m 3 /s (enough to fill an Olympic-size swimming pool in a second, or 10,000 football stadiums in a year). Of this total, 38% (1,186 hm 3 /year) of consumption comes from the internal Catalan basins, while 62% (1,937 hm 3 /year) is drawn from the interregional basins. What is water used for, and in what quantities? For Catalonia as a whole, urban usage, comprising household and industrial consumption, makes up 27.4% of the total (856 hm 3 /year). Agrarian uses, including agricultural irrigation and livestock consumption, account for the remaining 72.6% (2,267 hm 3 /year). The percentage of uses varies significantly across the internal and interregional basins. For the internal basins, urban and industrial uses make up the majority, representing 65% of total consumption. Within the interregional basins, meanwhile, agrarian uses predominate, representing more than 95% of the volume consumed over the course of a year.

13 Water uses in Catalonia catalonia ebro basins (CE) Does Catalonia have high levels of household consumption? Low-volume of household consumption (based on household meter readings) across Catalonia as a whole stands at around 130 l/inhab/day, while the Metropolitan Region of Barcelona (RMB) has a level below 120 l/inhab/day. Urban consumption in Catalonia is in any case lower than the Spanish average, which stands at around 148 l/inhab/day (141 l/inhab/day in metropolitan areas). The figures for other European countries include, for example 126 l/inhab/day in the Netherlands, 144 l/inhab/day in Ireland, 150 l/inhab/day in France, and 250 l/inhab/day in Italy. Over recent years there has been a progressive drop in per capita consumption in this country. Household consumption evolution in Catalonia l/inh./day Household 120 Industrial Irrigation internal basins (CI) Cattle Consumption in Catalonia Estimated consumption in the Metropolitan Area Water in Catalonia 13

14 Where does the water we use in urban centres connected to supply networks come from? Can we use as much as we like? The water we receive for use at home basically comes from two sources: surface water (rivers, seasonal streams and reservoirs), which make up 66%, with groundwater (aquifers) accounting for the remainder. Water is, as well as a resource, an element of natural ecosystems. In the case of rivers, it must be shared with the flora (plants and algae) and fauna (otters, wildfowl, fish, crabs...) which live there. In the case of coastal aquifers, if we draw out too much fresh water, seawater leaches in, leading to the risk of salinisation of the aquifer, making it unusable. Water is a fragile and finite resource, although we can meet the needs of different uses if it is managed in a sustainable manner. Water as medium cannot be separated from water as resource. Quantity and quality are two sides of the same coin. How does water reach those settlements with their own sources? Beyond these major regional systems involving urban conurbations, large numbers of rural settlements are supplied using local resources, mainly wells. Such resources are also vulnerable to episodes of contamination or over-exploitation, while the services feeding small settlements also often suffer from network supply problems (maintenance, control of consumption...). The ACA offers technical and financial support to local councils in order to improve their supply networks. Well in rural area

15 mediterranian sea Surface water catchments < 5 hm 3 /year 5-15 hm 3 /year hm 3 /year hm 3 /year > 60 hm 3 /year River system Reservoirs Coastal and transitional waters (Bays) Internal basins Interregional basins Catalonia region limit Main basins limit Water in Catalonia 15

16 How does water reach our cities? How much water is lost in route? The water authorities administer reservoirs, which guarantee that the resource can be regulated in order to match rainfall and demand. These reservoirs are used by upstream providers to supply the resource to the various local councils, mainly cities. The main upstream providers are Aigües Ter-Llobregat (ATLL), which basically serves the Metropolitan Region of Barcelona; the Consorci d Aigües de Tarragona (CAT), which supplies most of the province of Tarragona; and the Consorci de la Costa Brava, which covers 28 local authorities in the province of Girona. Using a system of water tanks, local councils take responsibility for distributing water to homes. Water will have travelled many kilometers before it reaches your home. Over the course of this journey it is inevitable that certain leaks will occur. The upstream supply systems in Catalonia lose between 2% and 4% of the flow transported, values which are close to the acceptable technical minimums. It is estimated that leaks in municipal distribution systems lead to the loss of between 5% and 7% on average (for well maintained systems), while in some specific cases the difference between the volume billed and that supplied may be greater (up to 20% or 25%). This difference is the result of other reasons, such as unregistered usage, undermetering, fraud... The higher percentage of loss is a result of the fact that municipal networks are normally longer, older, and operate at a working pressure which tends to cause greater losses. Improvement work is underway in order to reduce such losses in the transportation and distribution of water to a minimum.

17 Water supply cicle Water in Catalonia 17

18 How does the Ter-Llobregat system work? The Rivers Ter and Llobregat, which have the greatest flow of those within the internal basins, together supply the metropolitan regions of Barcelona and Girona, which are home to 5.5 million people. The water supply drawn from the Ter (200 hm 3 /year) and the Llobregat (160 hm 3 /year) is supplemented by numerous, smaller groundwater sources, operated at a municipal level. This system is highly vulnerable in terms of guaranteeing supply as the quantity of water available is scant, at a level close to that of demand, while the reservoirs can only regulate demand for one year. This vulnerability has become apparent over the various droughts which have occurred in recent years. Why do we have droughts? Catalonia, because of its Mediterranean climate, typically has an irregular rainfall pattern, in particular in terms of interannual variations. Over the last 20 years ( ) there have been 6 drought alert periods in the internal basins, leading to the adoption of exceptional measures in order to guarantee supply. The frequency of such episodes is symptomatic of the existence of a structural deficit (80 hm 3 /year in the Ter-Llobregat region), as demand is very close to the available level of resources. A structural deficit is defined as an inadequacy in the infrastructure systems for the distribution of water in circumstances of limited resources. Dammed volumes in Ter-Llobregat system jan. 80 jan. 81 jan. 82 jan. 83 jan. 84 jan. 85 jan. 86 jan. 87 jan. 88 jan. 89 jan. 90 jan. 91 jan. 92 jan. 93 jan. 94 jan. 95 jan. 96 jan. 97 jan. 98 jan. 99 jan. 00 jan. 01 jan. 02 jan. 03 jan. 04 dec. 04 dec. 05 dec. 06 dec. 07 Dammed reserves Threshold of the Decree of Emergency Threshold of Exceptional II Threshold of Exceptional I

19 Main supply systems Water in Catalonia 19

20 How will demand grow? How will the population grow? Catalonia is undergoing considerable population expansion, and this is expected to persist over the coming years. The Catalan population currently stands at 7 million inhabitants, and could be close to 8.5 million by Despite water saving policies, increases in population will lead to an increase in demand, in particular for urban supply. It is estimated that by 2025 the demand from urban networks, which currently stands at 750 hm 3 /year, will have risen by around 160 hm 3 /year (110 hm 3 /year in the Ter-Llobregat system, 45 hm 3 /year within the CAT area and the remainder across local networks). This forecast is, however, subject to the current context of migratory flows and climate change. Population evolution (inhabitants) Volume evolution in local networks of upstream supply hm 3 /year Average scene and PSAAC forecasts Low scene. Intens saving

21 How are resources evolving? Could their evolution be related to climate change? Climate change is now casting a new shadow over the future, and its effects represent a further element of uncertainty in the guarantee and future availability of resources: current forecasts for the Mediterranean region suggest a certain reduction in average supply and an increase in variability, leading to more frequent and more intense dry periods. In terms of quantifying the corresponding impacts on water resources at a local level we encounter a number of uncertainties, and it should be remembered that these effects are considered over longer timescales than the horizons of the Hydrological Plan. What there can be no doubt about (in terms of the uncertainty of precipitation) is as to current and future increases in temperature, and hence rates of evaporation and transpiration. In Catalonia it would in general be fair to assume that there will be a reduction in surface water supply and aquifer recharge compared with the levels seen historically, amounting to a fall of around 5% by Such a reduction, in systems as fragile as those seen today, could be critical. Nonetheless, certain aspects of climate change could already be becoming apparent, as in the case of the upper region of the Segre basin, which has seen a reduction in supply of 20% over the last 25 years compared with previous periods. This could be connected with various causes apart from climate change, such as for example changes in land use and an increase in temperatures at the river s source. So... do we have enough water in Catalonia? Given the existence of the structural deficit highlighted above across a large area of the Internal Basins (it should be remembered that the Barcelona and Tarragona regions can only meet their demand thanks to the conveyance of water from the Rivers Ter, Ebro and Siurana), the contribution of new resources based on the reuse of regenerated water, desalination and the decontamination of aquifers, together with a permanent policy of improving efficiency and savings across all uses, places us in a position where we can state that Catalonia as a territory does have enough water Water in Catalonia 21

22 WHAT IS THE STATE OF WATER IN CATALONIA? One of the first steps involved in the introduction of the WFD was to assess the status of Catalonia s water systems. This assessment was performed on the basis of an analysis of the manmade pressures applied to these systems, and a measurement of the impacts caused on the aquatic environment. The results of this analysis (presented in Annex I and available in greater detail on the ACA website) have allowed us to define the main environmental changes seen in the various aquatic systems (rivers, reservoirs, lakes, wetlands, coastal waters, transitional waters and groundwater). Next are identified the main environmental problems to be found across the water systems of Catalonia.

23 Ecological status of river and costal water bodies Very good Moderate Bad Good Poor No data Water in Catalonia 23

24 Does water extraction cause environmental problems? The extraction of water for urban and agricultural use, the regulation of the rate of flow of rivers (in order to satisfy demand for water using reservoirs), and the proliferation of plantations of phreatophytic trees (with deep roots which reach down to the phreatic level) are all activities which reduce the quantity of available water and directly affect the quality of 8.9% of rivers and 58.8% of groundwater. Those areas most affected by water extraction and river flow regulation are the basins of the Muga, the Ter, the Llobregat, the Cardener, the Noguera Ribagorçana, the Segre and the Ebro, with particular problems being experienced in the final sections of the Foix, the Gaià and the Riudecanyes stream, with practically non-existent flows as a result of reservoir regulation. The groundwater systems most affected by extraction for irrigation, water supply or industrial uses include most of the aquifers close to the coast (but also inland areas, such as Carme-Capellades and the Moianès, the alluvial fan of Terrassa and the Tàrrega limestones), while the effect of phreatophytic tree plantations is particularly significant in the basins of the Tordera, the Onyar and the lower sections of the Ter. Water being drawn from the Gaià reservoir

25 mediterranean sea Points with water extraction and flow regime alteration water bodies with risk: Rivers Groundwater River system Wetlands Lakes Reservoirs Coastal and transitional waters (Bays) Internal basins Interregional basins Catalonia region limit Main basins limit Water in Catalonia 25

26 Does hydroelectric generation cause environmental changes? Hydroelectric generation, which makes constant drains on water flows and alters their system, leads to a reduction in the water flowing down rivers and affects the level of water in ponds and lakes, with a significant impact on the biological communities which inhabit them. Environmental impact as a result of water usage for hydroelectric generation on rivers affects 14.5%, concentrated above all in the middle course of the Fluvià, the basins of the Ter, the Llobregat and the Cardener, along with the Garona, the upper courses and basins of the Noguera Ribagorçana and the Noguera Pallaresa. 47.5% of ponds and lakes have regulatory dams and groundwater pipes for hydroelectric operations, in the basins of the Garona and the Noguera Pallaresa. Is water polluted by industrial activity? Discharges, waste and leaks as a result of industrial activity act as sources of pollution for various water systems, affecting 6.7% of rivers, 2.9% of coastal waters and 64.2% of groundwater. The main sources of contamination are: Industrial discharges, affecting the quality of river water, coastal water, and particularly groundwater. Flows and infiltrations into contaminated land, occasional contamination episodes as a result of leaks from underground tanks, and potential leaks from underground linear infrastructure systems negatively affecting the quality of groundwater. Drainage and infiltration caused by salt mining wastes to which the appropriate corrective measures have not been applied, as a result of the existence of a natural bed of potassium and the history of mining this salt, affecting rivers and groundwater in the Llobregat basin. Salt minig wastes

27 mediterranean sea Points with alteration of water flows system by hydroelectric generation water bodies with risk: Rivers River system Wetlands Lakes Reservoirs Coastal and transitional waters (Bays) Internal basins Interregional basins Catalonia region limit Main basins limit Water in Catalonia 27

28 The main sources of industrial pollution are to be found in the basins of the Tordera, the Besòs, the lower Llobregat, the Anoia, and in particular the Francolí. The River Ondara and the aquifers of the plains of Urgell and Lleida, along with the River Ebro downstream of Flix, have also revealed problems as a result of industrial activity. This industrial pollution is reflected in the low biological quality of the water systems affected and in the presence in the water of metals (dissolved chromium, chromium IV, mercury), organic compounds (chloroform, naphthalene) and organochlorates (trichloroethylene, trichlorobenzene). Apart from the aforementioned pollutants, a connection has also been uncovered between industrial activity and the presence of the so-called emergent pollutants (e.g. endocrine disrupters), substances for which there are no regulations as yet but which could have a damaging effect on the health of aquatic systems. In the case of salt mining wastes, these affect in particular the Llobregat and the Cardener, downstream of Cardona, Súria, Sallent and Balsareny, along with the associated groundwater. Pollutant Metals Dissolved chrome Chrome VI Mercury Organic Chloroform Naphthalene DDT Organochlorates Trichloroethylene Trichlorobenzene Polychlorobiphenyls DDT Ammonium Location Groundwater bodies: Plana de Vic Collsacabra, Maresme, Gaià - Anoia, Detritic neogen of Baix Penedès, Alluvials of Penedès and local aquifers, Garraf, Baix Francolí, Baix Camp, Prades - Alt Francolí, Fluvio-deltaic of Fluvià Muga, Fluvio-deltaic of the Ter, Alluvials of upper and mid Tordera, Alluvials of the lower Tordera and delta, Cubeta d Abrera, Cubeta de Sant Andreu and Vall Baixa del Llobregat, Llobregat delta and Tàrrega limestones, Fossa de Mora. Vallgorguina stream in Sant Celoni (2003), River Anoia in Vilanova del Camí (2003), Carme stream in La Pobla de Claramunt (2004), and River Ondara in Vilagrassa, 2004 River Mogent, from the drinking water plant to the Vilanova del Vallès WWTP (2003 and 2004) River Ebro in Xerta and Tortosa River Mogent, from the drinking water plant to the Vilanova del Vallès WWTP (2003 and 2004) Torrent del Puig in Valls (2004) Coastal waters of Tarragona Groundwater bodies: Plana de Vic Collsacabra, Maresme, Garraf, Baix Francolí, Baix Camp, Prades - Alt Francolí, Alluvials of upper and mid Tordera, Alluvials of the lower Tordera and delta, Cubeta d Abrera, Cubeta de Sant Andreu and Vall Baixa del Llobregat, Llobregat delta and Tàrrega limestones River Ripoll in Montcada i Reixac (2004) River Ebro in Flix Coastal waters of Tarragona Coastal waters of Tarragona River Francolí in Constantí (2004), and groundwater bodies: Upper basin of the Freser and Ter, Montseny - Guilleries, La Selva, Detritic neogen of Baix Penedès, Alluvials of Penedès and local aquifers, Cardó - Vandellós,Fluvio-deltaic of Fluvià Muga, Fluvio-deltaic of the Ter, Alluvials of upper and mid Tordera, Baix Besòs and Plain of Barcelona, Cubeta d Abrera, Cubeta de Sant Andreu and Vall Baixa del Llobregat, Alt Urgell, Urgell Alluvial and Tàrrega limestones.

29 mediterranean sea Points of industrial pollution water bodies with risk: Rivers Coastal waters Groundwater River system Wetlands Lakes Reservoirs Coastal and transitional waters (Bays) Internal basins Interregional basins Catalonia region limit Main basins limit Water in Catalonia 29

30 mediterranean sea Points of pollution related with agricultural activity water bodies with risk: Rivers Wetlands Reservoirs, coastal and transition waters (Bays) Groundwater

31 Is water polluted by agricultural and livestock activities? mediterranean sea The excessive use of inorganic and organic fertilisers, along with the inappropriate use of pesticides in agricultural activities, pollutes river water (57% of the rivers of Catalonia), reservoirs (13.3%), wetlands (25%), coastal waters (44.1%), and in particular groundwater (69.8%). Rain and irrigation washes pollutant substances (nitrates, pesticides) off fields by run-off and infiltration into water systems. The areas worst affected, in terms of surface water and in particular groundwater, are those with more intensive livestock farming and larger surface areas of irrigated and intensive agriculture. Points of pollution from livestock fertilisers water bodies with risk: Rivers Reservoirs Groundwater River system Wetlands Lakes Reservoirs Coastal and transitional waters (Bays) Internal basins Interregional basins Catalonia region limit Main basins limit Water in Catalonia 31

32 Does urban waste water have an environmental impact? The Wastewater Treatment Plan of Catalonia has achieved a notable improvement in the chemical quality of Catalonia s river water (337 treatment plants in operation). Nonetheless, we do still see certain localised impacts on specific aquatic systems as a result of the inappropriate or accidental discharge of urban waste water which has not yet been treated, or has been inadequately treated. This affects 34% of rivers, 4% of wetlands, 38.2% of coastal waters, and 38.2% of groundwater. Such pollution has the following sources: outflows from water treatment plants into water courses where the flow is insufficient to achieve dilution, affecting above all rivers, wetlands, coastal waters and groundwater; inadequacies in the sewerage system, affecting coastal waters; outflows from human settlements with no sewerage treatment, affecting rivers and groundwater; discharges from rain and waste water collection systems, affecting rivers, reservoirs, wetlands and coastal waters. The worst affected areas would be the basin of the Besòs, the Gurri, the Foix, the Rubí stream, La Bisbal stream, the Francolí basin, the affluents of the Segre draining the plains of Urgell and Lleida, the corresponding groundwater systems and those of the Cerdanya and the alluvial system of the lower Segre, along with almost all the coastal waters from the mouth of the River Fluvià as far as the Llobregat, and those south of the Garraf and the Baix Penedès. Treatment systems No system Inadequate system Adequate system Total % municipalities 34,57 40,48 24, % population 4,59 3,67 91,74 100

33 mediterranean sea Points of pollution from insufficient urban wastewater treatments water bodies with risk: Rivers Coastal waters Wetlands Groundwater River system Wetlands Lakes Reservoirs Coastal and transitional waters (Bays) Internal basins Interregional basins Catalonia region limit Main basins limit Water in Catalonia 33

34 Does the presence of invasive species affect the environment? The introduction of invasive species, because of their rapid spread, exacerbated by changes in the environment and the introduction of species for specific uses, displaces and annihilates local species and can have a profound impact on the habitat, leading to a simplification of ecosystems. The biological quality of the environment is consequently undermined. The presence of invasive species (fauna) mainly affect reservoirs (60%), but also rivers (16.4%), lakes (2.5%), wetlands (50%), and potentially coastal waters (61.8%). Those areas most heavily affected by the presence of invasive species include most reservoirs, Banyoles Lake, the Rivers Muga, Fluvià, Ter, Llobregat, Segre, the lower course of the Noguera Ribagorçana and the Ebro. In more specific terms, examples of the zebra mussel have been found in the reservoirs of Riba-roja and Flix, in the basin of the Ebro. Those wetlands worst affected (mainly by the presence of gambusia) cover a large part of the marshes and lagoons of the Catalan coast, in particular the Llobregat and Ebro deltas. What effect does the usage made of river banks and wetlands have? The morphology of river banks and wetlands is subject to considerable impact largely as a result of channelling, urban uses, forestry (species not native to river banks) and water extraction operations. Such usage has a clear impact on the quality of 21.8% of rivers, 24% of wetlands and 35.8% of groundwater. The areas most heavily affected by channelling are the mid and lower courses of the Muga, the headwaters of the Ter and the Freser basin, the Rivers Onyar and Güell, the lower course of the Ter and the Daró, the streams of the southern Costa Brava and the Maresme, the Besòs basin, the mid and lower courses of the Llobregat and the Cardener, the final section of the Foix, the streams of the Garraf, certain sections of the Segre and the lower course of the Ebro. The occupation of river banks by urban areas is particularly significant on the River Freser and several sections of river in the Besòs basin, while forestry operations alongside rivers are of great significance in the mid and lower courses of the Ter, the Gurri basin, several sections of the Tordera and its main affluents, the mid course of the Francolí, the Segre below the Rialb dam and the final section of the Noguera Ribagorçana. Quarrying of aggregate, which affects both rivers and groundwater, has an impact above all on the basins of the Muga, the Fluvià, the Ter, the Besòs, the Llobregat, the streams of the south of Tarragona, the Cerdanya and the Alt Urgell regions. Those wetlands worst affected by impacts on their banks include coastal lagoons and marshes and the inland lakes and ponds of the plains of Urgell and Lleida, the lakes of the Tordera basin, and the mouths of the Tordera, the Ribes stream, the Foix and the Gaià.

35 mediterranean sea Points with invasive species water bodies with risk: Rivers Reservoirs, wetlands, costal and transition waters (Bays) River system Wetlands Lakes Reservoirs Coastal and transitional waters (Bays) Internal basins Interregional basins Catalonia region limit Main basins limit Water in Catalonia 35

36 Are fish able to move along rivers? The presence of structures blocking passage along a river, such as dams and weirs, makes it difficult and at times impossible for fish to migrate upstream and downstream. This is a particular problem for those species which migrate in order to breed, either from the river to the sea (catadromous species, such as the eel) or from the sea upstream (anadromous species, such as twaite shack and sturgeon). Those stretches of river most affected by the presence of transversal barriers include 2.9% of river water bodies, covering the mid section of the Muga, the upper course of the Ter beyond Ripoll, the River Freser, the mid course of the Llobregat and the mid and lower courses of the Cardener. This information is available on the ACA website. Damms and locks surveyed 334 Number of fish channels 31 Weir without fish ladders

37 mediterranean sea Dams and locks River system Reservoirs Coastal and transitional waters (Bays) Internal basins Interregional basins Catalonia region limit Main basins limit Water in Catalonia 37

38 Is our coastline in poor condition? The construction of infrastructure along the coastline, such as ports, breakwaters and promenades, alters the seafront, affects those biological communities closest to the coast and changes the way in which sand moves along the shoreline. The change in the dynamic of the coastal movement of sand is one of the factors which has led to the regeneration of beaches, which also serves to redefine the coastline, causing changes to the seabed through dredging, and to Breakwaters parallel to the coastline the communities occupying the first few metres of depth, which are buried by the growth of the beach itself. Such changes to the coastline affect 41.2% of coastal water bodies. The coastal waters most affected by such actions are those covered by the basins of the streams of the Maresme, the Besòs, the Foix, the streams of the Garraf, North and South Tarragona, the Francolí and occasionally those of the streams of the Costa Brava (Port de la Selva). How can the presence of ports and shipping affect the environment? The generation of waste at ports and by shipping, whether commercial, industrial, fishing or leisure vessels, can cause environmental problems to 44.1% of coastal water bodies. The coastal waters most affected would be those which are home to the ports with the heaviest waterborne traffic, namely those of Port de la Selva, Roses, L Escala, L Estartit, Arenys de Mar, Mataró, Masnou, Badalona, Besòs, Barcelona, Port Ginesta, Garraf, Aiguadolç, Vilanova i la Geltrú and Tarragona. Floating waste: fishing net

39 mediterranean sea Points with morphological changes in the coast River system Wetlands Lakes Reservoirs Coastal and transitional waters (Bays) Internal basins Interregional basins Catalonia region limit Main basins limit Water in Catalonia 39

40 Can tourism affect coastal aquatic systems? The flow of tourists to the coast affects the quality of water, in particular coastal waters, through the generation of waste. This influx of tourists is generally concentrated in time, leading to a significant increase in the population of coastal towns which are equipped to deal with a typically much smaller quantity of waste than that seen in high season. The areas most affected are the coastal waters of the Muga, lower Ter, the streams of the Costa Brava (Blanes), the streams of the Maresme, the streams of the Besòs, the Garraf, the Foix and the streams of the north and south of Tarragona, which make up 17.6% of coastal water bodies. Touristic affluence Does sea fishing cause environmental problems? Excessive fishing out at sea, or fishing outside the established limits, leads to imbalances in the stability of marine communities, and also a decline in the collections of certain species. The coastal waters which are potentially the most heavily affected make up 20.6% of coastal water bodies, those closest to the major fishing ports: Port de la Selva, Roses, L Escala, Blanes, Barcelona, Vilanova i la Geltrú and Tarragona.

41 What are the main changes affecting the status of Catalonia s aquatic systems? The various problems defined on the basis of the Analysis of Pressures and Impacts on the water bodies of Catalonia (see the summary of results in Annex I), as explained in the above sections, have been given different hierarchical levels in accordance with their importance. This importance is assessed on the basis of the territorial scope of the problem, the scale of the pressures associated with the problem, and the applicability of certain specific conditions (for example the existence of an impact associated with the problem, or the existence of a social perception of the problem). This information can be consulted in greater detail on the ACA website. The hierarchical breakdown is presented in the table below: MAIN PROBLEMS Water extraction and flow regulation Changes to system of flows through hydroelectric usage Industrial pollution Pollution associated with agricultural practices Pollution through inadequate treatment of urban waste water Pollution through fertiliser from livestock Invasive species Morphological changes to riverbanks and wetlands Pollution from salt mining wastes Discharge of single rainwater and sewerage collectors Morphological changes to the coast Waste generated by ports, vessels and recreational use of water bodies Pollution leaching from outflows and waste tanks Breach of fishing regulations Household pollution from towns without sewerage Pressure associated with underground linear infrastructure Value 16,7 14,5 12,8 12,4 12,3 11,1 10,1 8,7 8,5 7,5 6,3 5,5 4,4 4,2 3,1 2,8 Water in Catalonia 41

42 WHAT IS THE COST OF WATER? To what extent are the costs of the water cycle in Catalonia recovered? There are various operators in Catalonia providing services in the different phases of the integrated water cycle. Each of these different operators has a different operational structure involving a different level of cost recovery, whether we are talking of the river basin bodies involved, such as the ACA and the CHE (Hydrographic Confederation of the Ebro), the upstream and downstream supply operators, sewerage system operators or irrigation communities. On an overall basis the following cost recovery percentages are obtained: Agents Data Year Expenditure Revenue % Cost Recovery Catalan Water Agency (**) % Upstream supply operators % Downstream supply operators % Downstream sewerage operators % Irrigation % * Data in Millions of Euros ** The data for the Catalan Water Agency were obtained from the Programme Contract signed by the ACA itself and the Regional Government of Catalonia for the period , approved on 25 July 2006

43 What is the relative economic importance of each water use? The table below presents the relative economic importance of each water use, defined in terms of gross value added (GVA) and by employment generated by each. Industrial uses and urban uses (both household usage and the use of water for economic activities undertaken within an urban setting) generates 95% of GVA, and 96% of employment in Catalonia. USES GVA EMPLOYMENT Millions ofeuros % Workers % Industry 24,936 28% 689,145 27% Urban Areas 59,000 67% 1,745,000 69% Agrarian 1,550 2% 69,287 3% Energy 2,533 3% 16,400 1% TOTAL CATALONIA 88, % 2,519, % Total internal basins 83,765 95% 2,335,397 93% Total Ebro basins 4,254 5% 184,435 7% Water in Catalonia 43

44 What is the difference between water costs, prices and rates? Although these three concepts are intrinsically inter-connected, they do mean different things: the cost of water is defined as all the expenditure involved in order to gain access to a specific quantity of water for different uses. The price of water is the direct economic charge levied on users of the service offered. The water rate is the unitary quantification of the price passed on to users. This is the unitary sum applied to a physical unit of water, measured in m 3, litres, etc. What is the water tariff? The water tariff is a taxation system by means of which water users in Catalonia contribute to the costs of the water cycle service. These costs include expenditure on investment and operation of sewerage systems (collectors and treatment plants), reservoirs and other infrastructure used to produce and transport water, and also the prevention of pollution at source, the implementation and maintenance of ecological water flows, the recovery of polluted aquifers, upstream supply infrastructure projects in towns, and facilities for the reuse of water, also including expenses generated by hydrological planning, the task of inspection, and tasks involved in monitoring the good status of coastal and continental waters for bathing purposes. The tariff has a heavily ecological element, and is therefore applied to the actual or potential use of water and the pollution which could occur following use. It makes up around 32% of a household water bill.

45 What price do we pay for household water? The price of water for household consumption in Catalonia is, on average, 1.23 /m 3. The effort made by the households within the integrated water cycle represents between 0.4% and 2.3% of the net revenue, although it would be true to say that for approximately 75% of the population the percentage is below 1%. Compared with the price of other products consumed daily, such as bread or electricity, the cost of water for citizens is 66% lower. If we compare water bills in Catalonia with those of other European nations, we find that the price billed in Catalonia (1.23 /m 3 ) is lower than that in countries such as Denmark (4.4 /m 3 ), England and Wales (3.1 /m 3 ), the average for the different regions of France (2.7 / m 3 ) and Belgium (2.1 /m 3 ), and is higher than bills in countries such as Lithuania (0.64 /m 3 ) and Italy (1.14 /m 3 ). 0,45 Water ( /day) Unitary prices consumption goods (2006) 0,65 0,7 0,75 Underground ( /trip) Bread ( /each) Electricity ( /day) 1 Newspaper ( /each) 1,3 Movile phone ( /day) Should we be paying more for the water services we receive? At present water bills do not include all the costs generated by the water services we are receiving, as mentioned in the section focusing on the recovery of costs, and this should be the aim to which we are working in accordance with Article 9 of the WFD. It would seem clear, then, that we will have to bear a greater cost in implementing the Directive in order to achieve a good ecological status for our water bodies. Water in Catalonia 45

46 2 Proposed actions WHAT CAN WE DO IN ORDER TO HAVE ENOUGH WATER IN CATALONIA The water resources available in Catalonia could become insufficient in order to satisfy the demands placed by society in terms of water quantity and quality. In order to avoid a lack of guaranteed supply, it is proposed that a series of measures be adopted with a view to improving management through, on the one hand, increases in water savings, and on the other more effective use of the existing resources, and the introduction of new resources. Can we build more reservoirs? There are 10 reservoirs in total in the internal basins, with a capacity of more than 5 hm 3, giving the ability to regulate 695 hm 3. The interregional basins have a total of 14 reservoirs with a capacity of more than 5 hm 3, allowing for the regulation of 3,721 hm 3. The main functions of reservoirs are to regulate resources, to laminate inflows and to generate electrical energy. At present, in certain cases, recreational uses are being added to these traditional uses, serving to highlight intrinsic heritage, natural and landscape values. There are currently no locations available which meet the necessary technical requirements in order to allow new reservoirs to be built. What is more, building a reservoir involves environmental and social impacts which require careful study.

47 Main Reservoirs Water in Catalonia 47

48 How can we better manage water and achieve greater guarantees? In light of the situation of deficit mentioned earlier, and in accordance with the principles of the WFD, the solutions available in order to provide greater guarantees involve integrating a raft of actions based on: savings and efficiency at both the upstream and downstream network levels and among urban and agricultural users as a whole; water obtained from seawater desalination processes, the reuse of regenerated water and the elimination of pollution from aquifers to provide potable water; the establishment and interconnection of regional supply networks with the aim of giving greater flexibility to management systems, along with clear support for local supply and a progressive improvement in the quality of bodies of water through major efforts dedicated to sewerage in cities and in industry, improved control of diffuse pollution and the definition of maintenance flow rate systems. The ongoing management of demand, the integrated management of resources and the achievement of a good status of water bodies are the instruments required in order to achieve success in integrating this raft of actions, and hence resolving shortfalls, while demonstrating that the preservation of this resource is fully compatible with rational and sustainable development. Can we save more in cities? Household consumption in Catalonia is moderate, and over recent years there has been a downward trend thanks to improvements in management and to the citizens effort. Savings can essentially be achieved through progressive improvements to facilities within homes and services (taps, cisterns, household appliances), a change in approaches to gardening, improved waterproofing of distribution networks and the reuse of grey and rainwater in newly built homes. The regional policy associated with town planning decisions is a key element in water demand management policies. Lastly, the tariff policy must support and supplement the adoption of such initiatives. Expectations for the year 2025 are for potential savings on average of up to 59 hm 3 /year if active urban demand management policies are applied, as opposed to a scenario with no such management strategies being implemented. These actions are included within the future Urban Supply Savings Programme.

49 Water consumption in Catalonia Can water be saved in agricultural operations? The agricultural sector is the biggest consumer of water, making up some 70% of total demand for water in Catalonia, although the percentage for the internal basins is 31%. The significance of this usage illustrates that saving policies applied to this field could have considerable repercussions, especially in the interregional basins. One proposal is to promote and progressively introduce the modernisation of current irrigation systems, in terms of both losses across the network and how they are applied to crops. Traditional irrigation requirements of 10,000 m 3 /ha over the course of a year can be reduced, using a modern pressure irrigation system (spray or drip) to 6,500 m 3 /ha per year, in other words a saving of 35%. The actions to be implemented form part of the agricultural Water Efficiency Plan for Agricultural Irrigation, currently being developed, the aim of which is to draw up a map of agrarian water uses in Catalonia, and to establish a raft of recommendations intended to improve productive water efficiency, to promote the rational use of the resource and to favour savings, while also quantifying the actual potential for savings of resources, and the measures required in order to achieve this, with an emphasis on the reuse of regenerated water. This also falls within the Irrigation Plan developed by the DAR, which aims to improve water management in Catalonia. This new plan includes two main projects, namely the modernisation of traditional irrigation systems (the Urgell, Pinyana, and Aragon and Catalonia Canals and the Ebro Delta) and the introduction of new, efficient irrigation systems (Segarra-Garrigues, L Algerri-Balaguer, Segrià Sud and Garrigues Sud). Household Industrial Irrigation Cattle Water in Catalonia 49

50 Can more water be saved in industrial activities? The industrial sectors which consume the most water are the chemicals, food, paper and tanning industries. Industrial consumption has fallen over recent years, as a result of significant improvements being introduced across industry since the 1990s to reduce the consumption of water. This trend has also been encouraged by the introduction of tariffs based on the polluter pays principle. There is thus limited scope for reductions, although efforts should continue to be made in this regard, above all in the field of regenerated water use. Industrial consumption evolution (Hm 3 ) Industrial consumption Lineal (Industrial consumption)

51 Can we draw more water from aquifers? Recharge of the aquifer of the Tordera witht regenerated water from the Blanes WWTP Aquifers are under intense exploitation in the internal basins. This exploitation, which has exceeded recharge in some cases, has led to a sharp drop in the level of water and the exhaustion of some springs and wells (Carme Capellades, for example) and the salinisation of coastal aquifers (such as Llobregat and Tordera). In order to be able to continue exploiting these aquifers, recharge and protection measures must be developed. Some actions already in progress include the recharging of the Tordera aquifer with regenerated water from the Blanes WWTP, the recharge of the Baix Llobregat (using ponds along its lower course) and the construction of a barrier against saline intrusion in the Delta fed with regenerated water, along with the decontamination of aquifers in the Besòs area (Cubeta de la Llagosta, Pla de Barcelona and Delta del Besòs). The actions being promoted by the ACA could generate between 25 and 40 hm 3 /year of new resources through the recovery of contaminated aquifers. The POEs (Water extraction regulation plans) currently being implemented cover the aquifers of the Mitjana and Baix Tordera, Carme-Capellades and the Baix Francolí and Bloc de Gaià. Those POEs being planned or analysed apply to the aquifers of the Delta and Baix Llobregat, the Cubeta d Abrera and Sant Andreu and Santa Coloma and Arbúcies. Lastly, there are POEs pending for the aquifers of the Baix Ter and the Fluvià and Muga. What is reuse? The reuse of treated water is standard practice in Catalonia, with the outflow from water treatment plants (WWTPs) being diluted in rivers, which are then used for urban, agricultural and industrial supply further downstream. This reuse is in technical terms referred to as indirect or unplanned. In the internal basins, where the pressure of uses on rivers reaches higher levels, indirect reuse is a significant phenomenon. For example, in the River Llobregat and its affluents a total of 55 hm 3 /year is reused in this way, while the figure for the Ter is 47 hm 3 /year. As opposed to such spontaneous reuse, direct (or planned) reuse is characterised by the presence of regeneration treatment (tertiary treatment at WWTPs) in order to produce water of a quality suitable for other uses, transported specifically to the point of use. Reuse allows for the release of certain uses which do not need to be fed by resources drawn from the drinking water supply network. The forecast for the year 2025 is for a figure of 190 hm 3 /year of direct water reuse, which will represent 27% of the annual flow treated at WWTPs, and 50% in the summer months. This volume of reuse will be achieved as the sum of three components: reuse currently in service (28 hm 3 /year); progressive increases in the use of the existing reuse facilities (21 hm 3 /year) and finally the addition of new planned facilities coming onstream (141 hm 3 /year). Percentage reuse (2025) Environmental Agriculture Recreational Industrial Municipal Water in Catalonia 51

52 What are the advantages and disadvantages of desalination? Desalinisation is a solution which can provide excellent quality resources in an independent, modular manner, and with brief implementation times. It does, however, suffer from certain disadvantages, in particular in terms of energy consumption. Although energy requirements have dropped considerably over recent decades, levels are still relatively high (3-4 kwh/m 3 ). Desalination is therefore viewed as a supplementary measure in addition to other initiatives (reuse, recovery of aquifers and savings). There are plans in Catalonia for the establishment of three desalination plants (Tordera, Barcelona and South Coast) which over various phases will be capable of providing 200 hm 3 /year by Tordera (80 hm 3 /year) Barcelona (60 hm 3 /year) South coast (20 hm 3 /year widenable to 40 hm 3 /year) Planned desalination plants Can we use more conveyance systems? The main areas of Catalonia are supplied by conveyance systems, from the Ter to the Barcelona region and from the Ebro to the Consorci d Aigües de Tarragona, and from the Siurana to Riudecanyes. They therefore have now and have in the past had a major role to play in the Catalan water management model. Despite their importance, conveyance systems do present disadvantages, such as the availablity of resources in the donor basins, environmental and social problems, long lead times compared with other alternatives, uncertain end costs which are difficult to establish with precision, and considerable energy requirements, depending on the distance involved. The current management model does not cover the construction of conveyance systems to draw more resources from the rivers mentioned above, but rather, in the case of the Ter, the progressive and gradual return of water drawn from the RMB region to the donor river basin.

53 What is the relationship between water and energy? How much energy do we use to provide hot and cold water? Cold water cycle The energy expenditure in terms of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions generated by the capture, transportation, preparation, distribution and treatment of water for 7 million inhabitants amounts to 800 Gwh/year, equivalent to 350,000 tonnes of CO 2 per year, which in turn represents 0.6% of the 60 million tonnes (MTn) of emissions from Catalonia as a whole, or 2.2% of the electricity sector. To this we should add the energy expenditure associated with bottled water, of the order of 100 times greater than that involved in the integrated water cycle, and involving a relatively high level of CO 2 emissions: the production of 2.4 hm 3 per year of bottled water in Catalonia produces 120,000 tonnes per year of CO 2. In the future, in accordance with current management procedures and the actions planned under the present Hydrological Plan, total emissions could rise to 600,000 Tn of CO 2, doubling their specific weight in terms of GHG emissions from all sectors. The contribution of increased desalinisation will be significant, but in relative terms a much bigger role will be played by the simple increase in demand for supply (160 hm 3 /year maximum demand by 2025). Water savings will continue to be the main guarantee of energy savings. Within this context, the scenarios considered in the current Plan already include potential savings of the order of 60 hm 3, representing a saving of 2.75% in terms of the future energy demands which would be seen if current trends continued. Hot water cycle The hot water cycle involves energy consumption in the order of 5 times greater than the integrated cold water cycle, meaning that measures for action must be sought at both a household and an industrial level. Will the taste of water improve? There will be an improvement in the organoleptic qualities of water as a result of efforts to decontaminate and recover aquifers, new drinking water treatments, desalinisation, wastewater treatment and reuse. Through application of the WFD it is expected that by 2015 the quality of our rivers will have improved. The combination of all these measures, together with the inter-connection of the Ter and Llobregat systems, will for example mean that water reaching the Barcelona area as a whole will have chemical properties similar to that of some bottled waters, with much lower levels of sodium and bicarbonates than the water coming from the Llobregat branch. These improvements in the quality of water have direct benefits for users by improving the useful life of household appliances, reduced use of soap and reduced bottled water purchases. Preliminary theoretical studies undertaken in the Metropolitan Region of Barcelona and compared with the actual situation (in Blanes) suggest that a figure of 100 /household/year could be saved. Item /home/year Saving in repair and replacement of household appliances Saving in reactants and personal hygiene products Saving in energy expenditure 9.96 Saving in bottled water Other (household supply) 9.33 TOTAL 99,86 Water in Catalonia 53

54 WHAT CAN WE DO TO SOLVE OUR WATER QUALITY PROBLEMS? The problems defined in the above chapter require resolution through the appropriate combination of measures, integrated within the Programme of Measures included in the new Water Management Plan for Catalonia. Within this programme of measures, the aims of hydrological planning are established and defined in the documents referred to as Plans, which are developed by means of Programmes, implemented as measures. How great a flow of water do rivers need to maintain ecosystems in a good state? How can this be achieved? The minimum rates of flow below which the life of fish and the operation of river ecosystems may become difficult to maintain are defined in the Sectorial Maintenance Flows Plan for the Internal Basins of Catalonia (responsibility of the ACA), and in the future Sectorial Maintenance Flows Plan for the Catalan basins of the Ebro river (in partnership with the Hydrographic Confederation of the Ebro). This plan will be applied to the internal basins through application of the Zonal Plans for Maintenance Flows Implementation for stretches of rivers, along with specific operational standards in the case of reservoirs. For more information, please see the ACA website.

55 How can the quality of urban outflow be improved? In order to improve the quality of aquatic systems we must improve, guarantee and supplement sewerage systems to treat existing and future urban waste water. This is the aim of the Urban Waste Water Treatment Programme (the PSARU), which includes improvements to the quality of outflow from WWTPs, improvements in the guaranteed operations of WWTPs in order to minimise malfunctions, connection of the sewerage system to those settlements not yet included, along with the construction of new WWTPs for those villages without a sewerage system. So far, and bearing in mind that the actions currently planned under the PSARU are being implemented, there are 337 WWTPs in operation, with plans for 1,200 treatment facilities included in the programme itself. In order to prevent discharges of combined rain and waste water systems work will begin on a new Programme to prevent dumping from combined systems in rainy weather (the Anti-DSU Programme), the aim of which is to minimise the impact on the environment of overflow from high-volume collectors, along with proposed measures for the municipal drainage network. Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Can we reduce pollution from industrial outflow? The reduction of this type of pollution is covered by the review of the Industrial Waste Water Treatment Programme (PSARI). The review of this programme identifies priorities and trends in the field of industrial outflow pollution, establishes a new model for the relationship between public authorities and industry in terms of outflow, and proposes reductions in the pollutant load discharged into both riverbeds and the sewerage system. This programme will be supported by the Outflow restructuring special plan, currently being developed, which will serve to restructure those industrial outflows currently being fed into public treatment plants and which have some form of impact on their proper operation. The plan will present proposals to resolve the situation of the main public sewerage systems experiencing operational difficulties as a result of industrial effluent. Water in Catalonia 55

56 How can we reduce and avoid pollution from outflow water, waste tanks and industrial storage tanks? The Catalan Waste Agency is aiming to reduce water pollution from municipal and industrial waste outflows on the basis of the prevention of waste generation at source and proper waste management. The programmes establishing the measures to be implemented in order to achieve these aims are the Catalan Municipal Waste Management Programme (PRO- GREMIC), and the Industrial Waste Management Programme (PROGRIC) and the future plan. Various educational and development programmes, as well as subsidies, are also being provided by the Waste Agency to support the aims of the aforementioned waste management programmes. As for waste tanks and industrial storage tanks, the best approach will always involve the prevention of possible leaks. In the event that leaks do occur and pollution of the soil or groundwater is detected, decontamination procedures must then be applied. For service stations (petrol stations) the ACA has established an operational protocol for the decontamination of groundwater at contaminated sites. In cases of accidental pollution, the Department of the Interior has developed two emergency plans: the Chemical sector external emergency plan for Catalonia (PLASEQCAT), to deal with any major emergencies which may occur involving hazardous substances, and the Special emergency plan for accidental contamination of marine waters in Catalonia (CAMCAT), intended to define and coordinate the actions of both public authorities and public and private institutions in order to deal with any event of marine pollution caused by an accident. How can we manage salt mining wastes to prevent them affecting the environment? The salinisation of water in the Llobregat basin is caused by two factors: natural and man-made. The measures and actions proposed by the ACA are intended to minimise man-made pollution, whether caused by the presence of salt mining wastes or by incidents involving the brine collector. Reductions are being achieved in the pollution of water caused by salt mining wastes through various ACA actions under the Saline pollution reduction plan in the Llobregat basin: Integrated restoration of the saline Cardona Valley. Corrective measures in terms of water to be applied by the potash mining company in Súria and Sallent in order to achieve environmental authorisation for these two sites. Agreement between the company and the Catalan Water Agency for the interception and re-routing to the brine collector of any saline outflows detected in the Súria and Sallent-Balsareny region which are currently, and continuously, producing chlorides affecting surface and groundwater quality within the Llobregat basin. Restoration and impact limitation of the inactive Vilafruns salt mining waste in Balsareny. Plans to improve the capacity of the general brine collector along the entire stretch from Cardona and Balsareny as far as the El Prat del Llobregat WWTP.

57 Do we need to restore riverbanks? The restoration of riverbanks is essential in order to achieve good biological and physicochemical status of rivers: on the one hand, the naturalisation of river courses allows for the recovery of habitats, while improvements to riverbanks also underpin their function as a filter for water flowing into the river following rainfall, and also their role as a biological corridor. The recovery or preservation of the form and dynamic of rivers, affecting both the riverbed and the banks, will be dealt with in the future Sediment management and fluvial morpho-dynamic programme. The restoration of riverbanks is being implemented by the ACA through its Planning of river areas, which deals with an environmental and landscape preservation in accordance with historical and economic uses, and the Riverbed maintenance and conservation programme, which includes preventive maintenance and improvement actions for riverbeds from the hydrological perspective, although at all times in accordance with environmental criteria. These two planning instruments will serve as the foundation of the future Riverbank restoration and recovery plan, which will set out the general principles on which river bank recovery and conservation actions are to be based, along with the level of involvement of various public and private bodies. This will be supplemented by the future Sediment management and fluvial morpho-dynamic programme, dealing with the recovery and preservation of the form and dynamic of rivers, impacting on both river beds and banks, guaranteeing that rivers will carry solid, appropriate rates of flow. Riparian forest Example of a fish ladder What can we do to restore the mobility of fish within rivers? Improved mobility for fish within rivers (river connectivity) will be dealt with in the future River connectivity improvement and rehabilitation plan in Catalonia, soon to be embarked on by the ACA. This plan will deal with strategic lines and actions intended to recover river connectivity, both longitudinal, transversal and vertical. Some examples of the measures to be implemented include: an inventory of barriers which could prevent the passage of fauna, an environmental and social analysis of the need to maintain these barriers, and an assessment of the need to build or develop the construction of fish ladders. Water in Catalonia 57

58 What can we do to improve and preserve wetlands? An initial step in improving and conserving wetlands was taken with the production of the Wetland Inventory of Catalonia (2001), updated in 2006, along with a diagnosis of their status based on the Analysis of Pressures and Impacts performed in 2004 (both documents can be consulted at the ACA website). The identification and diagnosis of the wetlands of Catalonia is the basis for production of the future Wetlands Recovery, Protection and Conservation Plan in Catalonia, produced by the Directorate-General for the Environment of the Department of the Environment and Housing (DMAiH). This plan will include a specific protection and conservation plan for each wetland area, depending on its status. The ACA will coordinate with the DMAiH by means of the future Catalan Wetlands Conservation Plan in the diagnosis of the ecological status of wetlands, and establish the measures required in terms of water resources in order to comply with the environmental objectives of the WFD for the wetlands of Catalonia. How can we reduce and prevent the pollution of water through agrarian operations? An improvement in the quality of surface and groundwater requires the proper administration of fertilisation and phytosanitary treatments. There exists a raft of regulations, produced by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Action (DAR), the DMAiH and the Department of Health, based on Directive 91/676/ EEC (the Nitrates Directive), intended to reduce nitrate pollution of agrarian origin. These regulations provide for the designation of Vulnerable Areas, with a review performed every four years. Within such areas a mandatory code of good agrarian practice applies, and action plans must also be drawn up and implemented to cover fertilisation and the use of livestock waste. The Gesfer consortium, supported by the DAR, with the involvement of the ACA, is currently developing a programme intended to optimise fertilisation procedures. Work has already begun in the area of Alt Anoia-Segarra and the province of Girona, and will gradually be extended throughout Catalonia. Improvements in the use of fertilisers are also supported by the Sewage sludge treatment programme, developed by the ACA. This programme focuses on improving the quality of sludge obtained from the treatment of waste water, which is typically used as agricultural fertiliser. An improvement in the quality of such sludge will contribute to lower environmental risks involved in its use. The Water Management Plan Steering Document, avaliable at the ACA website, includes more detailed information.

59 Vulnerable areas to nitrate pollution Declared by Decree 283/1998 Declared by Decree 476/2004 Internal hydrographic basins Interregional hydrographic basins Water in Catalonia 59

60 How can we control and avoid the proliferation of invasive species? A number of different measures are currently being applied to minimise the presence and proliferation of invasive species. On the one hand, the DMAiH is implementing native species protection measures, comprising essentially the Conservation and recovery plans for protected species (for the otter, bittern, Spanish toothcarp, killifish and Audouin s gull), a range of environmental protection plans, the definition of Special Wildfowl Protection Zones, and directives for the administration of Natura 2000 Network spaces. The DMAiH and the MIMAM have also established a number of control and elimination protocols for those exotic species with the greatest impact on native populations, such as the protocol for the elimination of the ruddy duck (Oxyura jamaicencis). The Directorate-General for the Environment, often in cooperation with the Proliferation of the zebra mussel Natural Parks, is engaged in a number of projects with a direct impact on the administration and control of various invasive species, such as the species of flora Carpobrotus edulis, the water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes), and Cortaderia selloana, along with species of fauna including the red swamp crawfish, crayfish, carp, red-eared slider turtle and the American mink. Continental fishing (in accordance with the current regulations) is being used to cull fishable allochthonous species. The ACA is currently implementing a number of prevention and control measures to address the spread of the zebra mussel in the rivers and reservoirs of Catalonia. These measures are intended to be included, and extended, within the future Prevention, control and eradication plan for aquatic invasive species, to be produced in cooperation between the ACA and de DMAiH.

61 Can we minimise the environmental impacts caused by nautical activity? In order to minimise the environmental impacts caused by such activity, action is required on two fronts: regulation of the construction and expansion of ports, in order to avoid effect on the coastal sand dynamic, and the construction of appropriate facilities within the courts already in existence in order properly to manage the waste generated within the ports themselves, by vessels and by shipping. The Catalan Ports Plan, produced by the Department of Regional Policy and Public Works (DPTOP), is primarily intended to provide for the development of a network of ports which can guarantee effective and environmental protection. In addition to this plan, the document Environmental Actions at the Ports of Catalonia has been produced (an interdepartmental partnership involving the Department of Industry, Trade and Tourism -now known as the Department of Innovation, Universities and Enterprise-, the DMAiH, the DPTOP, the Catalan Government Port Authority, the Port Authorities of Barcelona and Tarragona, and the DAR), featuring a raft of actions required in order to reconcile nautical and port activities with the environment. Within this context, work has been performed, and is ongoing, on the installation of facilities at ports to collect the waste produced by vessels, along with bilge and household water and solid and hazardous waste. Work is also taking place to provide all ports with the relevant facilities to treat household and rain water prior to its being discharged out at sea, to promote the introduction of environmental management systems at ports, and to equip them with the systems required to act in case of accident. Can we introduce more responsible fishing practices? Fishing at sea is governed by a raft of laws and regulations establishing the depths at which fishing can take place in accordance with the type of equipment used, restricted areas, restricted periods (including biological close seasons) and permitted fishing hours. These regulations were included in the former Catalan Regional Government fisheries steering plan ( ), which there are plans to continue in a future plan. The efficacy of these regulations will, however, depend on effective monitoring of compliance. What can be done in terms of regional and urban regulation and planning to improve the environmental quality of the waters of Catalonia? Regional planning must guarantee that land is occupied and exploited in a manner compatible with environmental sustainability. As regional planning has a direct impact on the intensity of the possible pressures which could affect aquatic systems, it is understood that good regional planning serves as the basis for achieving a good status of such systems. In this regard it is essential that town planning and land classification take into consideration the need to comply with the environmental objectives established by the Water Framework Directive: guaranteed resources for supply, and also the guaranteed quantity and quality of water within aquatic systems, in order to ensure that they can be maintained at a good status. This, for example, means guaranteeing the sewerage treatment of urban waste water, respecting the zonal classification of river spaces, as covered by the Town Planning Act Regulations, and accounting for uses along the coastline in accordance with respect for the status of marine communities, minimising projects within this area whether hard (property development) or soft (beach regeneration). Water in Catalonia 61

62 What are the main lines of action which would improve the quality of aquatic systems? The aforementioned plans, programmes and measures are divided into eight lines of action to deal with the environmental problems facing the waters of Catalonia. These eight lines, the issues which each of them resolves and the bodies responsible are presented in the table below: Line of action Problems Planning of water resources - Surface water catchment - Imbalance between extraction and recharge of groundwater - Insufficient flow in rivers - Saline intrusion through over-exploitation of coastal aquifers Improvement of urban and industrial waste water treatment systems - Pollution through inadequate treatment of urban waste water - Discharge of combined rainwater and sewerage collectors - Household pollution from towns without sewerage treatment - Industrial pollution Hydro-morphological preservation and recovery Control, prevention and minimisation of the risk of pollution in potentially hazardous areas - Coastal morphological changes - Changes to system of flows through hydroelectric usage - Inadequate flow in rivers through water extraction and flow regulation - Disappearance of riverside woods and occupation of floodable areas - Morphological changes to river beds - Degradation of riverside habitats - Lack of river connectivity - Morphological degradation of wetland coastline - Reduced availability of resources and problems of groundwater pollution through extraction activities - Salinisation of surface and groundwater by salt mining wastes - Industrial pollution - Pressure associated with underground linear infrastructures - Water pollution by leaching and filtration of outflows and waste tanks - Contaminated soil and underground storage tanks DMAiH - CHE Interior Dept. ACA ACA - ARC

63 Line of action Management and control of agricultural and livestock operations Management and control of fisheries resources, invasive species, recreational activities and access to the environment Management of port and shipping waste Territorial and urban regulation and planning Problems - Contamination through excess nitrogen from livestock fertiliser - Pollution associated with agricultural practices - Destructuring of ecosystems - Lack of environmental quality - Damage to water transport infrastructures (supply and irrigation ) - Over-fishing of sea beds - Build-up of solid waste and outflow of black water from vessels - Water demands with inadequate resources and excessive decentralisation - Land use within the basin - Urban property development without environmental criteria ACA - ARC DMAiH Local Adm. DAR DMAiH, DAR, DPTOP DPTOP ACA ACA: Catalan Water Agency; DMAiH: Department of the Environment and Housing; CHE: Hydrographic Confederation of the Ebro; ARC: Catalan Waste Agency; DAR: Department of Agriculture, Food and Rural Action; DPTOP: Department of Regional Policy and Public Works Water in Catalonia 63

64 These lines of action have been given a hierarchical priority similar to that applied to the problems: on the basis of the number of water bodies which they will improve (territorial scope), the singularity of these water bodies and the intensity of the problem which they resolved. The hierarchy of the lines of action is presented in the table below: Main lines of action Value Territorial and urban regulation and planning Improvement of urban sewerage systems and industrial outflows Management and control of agricultural and livestock operations Planning of water resources Hydro-morphological preservation and recovery Control, prevention and minimisation of pollution in potentially high-risk areas Management and control of fisheries resources, invasive species, recreational activities and access to the environment Management of port and shipping waste * 14,5 12,9 12,7 11,0 10,7 10,1 6,8 * Regional and urban planning have not been assessed in accordance with the same criteria as the other lines of action, as its impact on the water status is essentially preventive. This process covers plans and programmes with a direct impact on all water bodies, hence the decision adopted to give this line of action first place in the order of importance.

65 The plans and programmes being developed and to be developed in the near future by the ACA, in some cases as already mentioned in previous sections, are presented in the tables below, in accordance with the aforementioned lines of action and divided into three major groups: improvement in the physicochemical quality of water; management of demand and water resources, and improvement in the hydro-morphological and biological quality of Catalonia. The stage of development of each plan or programme is also specified: programmes under implementation and review; new programmes immediately drafted; programmes planned or under analysis; and programmes pending. Improved physical-chemical quality of water Line of action 2. Improvement of urban sewerage systems and industrial outflows 3. Management and control of agricultural and livestock operations 6. Control, prevention and minimisation of pollution in potentially high-risk areas Programme Programmes under implementation and review - Programme to prevent dumping from combined systems in rainy weather. - Industrial Waste Water Treatment Programme. - Urban Waste Water Treatment Programme. - Programme to assess historical chemical pollution of coastal water bodies. - Efficiency in use and improved quality of Groundwater Bodies. Programmes planned or under analysis Outflow restructuring special plan (industrial). Programmes under implementation and review - Nitrate pollution prevention and correction plan. Programmes planned or under analysis - Sewage sludge treatment programme. Programmes under implementation and review - Protocol of anti-pollution actions for groundwater at sites polluted by service stations. New programmes immediately drafted - Saline pollution reduction plan in the Llobregat basin. - QUASAR Project. Definition of benchmark levels for groundwater based on chemical risk analysis. Programmes pending - Programme to minimise risks of pollution associated with potentially hazardous infrastructure and activities. Water in Catalonia 65

66 Management of demands and water resources Line of action 4. Planning of water resources 4. Management of demand for the resource Programme Programmes under implementation and review - Sectorial water supply plan in Catalonia. - Water reuse plan for Catalonia. - Plan for monitoring of aquifers affected by saline intrusion. - Water extraction regulation plans. Mid and lower Tordera, Carme-Capellades, lower Francolí and Bloc del Gaià. - Aquifer management programmes (baseline work for POEs already approved). Alluvial and fluvio-deltaic aquifers of the Tordera; numerical model and management programme for the alluvial aquifer of the Arbúcies stream. New programmes immediately drafted - Urban water supply saving programme. - Efficiency in use and improved quality of Groundwater Bodies. Programmes planned or under analysis - Drought Management Plan. - Water Banks or exchange centres. - Aquifer anti-pollution plan. - Water extraction regulation plans. Delta and lower Llobregat Cubeta d Abrera and Sant Andreu Santa Coloma and Arbúcies streams Programmes pending - Water extraction regulation plans. Lower Ter Fluvià and Muga Programmes under implementation and review - Social awareness-raising programme to reduce industrial, urban and agricultural consumption. New programmes immediately drafted - Water efficiency plan for agricultural irrigation.

67 Improvement in hydro-morphological and biological quality in Catalonia Line of action 5. Hydro-morphological preservation and recovery 7. Management and control of fisheries resources, invasive species, recreational activities and access to the environment Programme Programmes under implementation and review - Planning of river areas. Lower Ter - Daró, Tordera, lower Llobregat Anoia. - Riverbed maintenance and conservation programme. - Sectorial Maintenance Flows Plan for the Internal Basins of Catalonia. - Zonal Plans for Maintenance Flows Implementation. Upper Ter, Gaià. New programmes immediately drafted - Zonal Plans for Maintenance Flows Implementation. Muga, lower Ter and Daró, upper Llobregat and Cardener, Foix, Francolí and Riudecanyes, Fluvià, lower Llobregat and Anoia, Tordera and Besòs. - River connectivity improvement and rehabilitation plan in Catalonia. - Plan to assess hydro-morphological pressures on the receiving marine environment. - Riverbank restoration and recovery plan. - Flood prevention plan. - Sediment management and fluvial morpho-dynamic programme. - Catalan Wetlands Conservation Plan. Programmes planned or under analysis - Zonal Plans for Maintenance Flows Implementation. Lower Ter and Llobregat, Muga, Fluvià, Foix, Riudecanyes and Francolí. - Planning of river areas. Muga, Fluvià, Ridaura-Calonge, Besòs, Foix, Gaià, Francolí, Garona, Ondara and Barranc de la Galera. Programmes pending - Planning of river areas. Upper Ter, upper and mid Llobregat, La Bisbal stream and Torrent del Lluc, upper Segre, lower Segre, Noguera Pallaresa, Noguera Ribagorçana, Ebro. Programmes under implementation and review - Invasive species alert network: Caulerpa taxifolia. - Beach Status Surveillance and Information Programme - Programme of prevention and cleaning of the coastal waters. - Reservoir usage management and regulation plans (internal basins).. New programmes immediately drafted - Prevention, control and eradication plan for aquatic invasive species. Will the application of the lines of action guarantee fulfilment of the environmental objectives of the WFD? The underlying aim in applying these lines of action, which comprise the Programme of Measures for the Water Management Plan for Catalonia, is to guarantee: The recovery of those water bodies currently not achieving good status levels. The maintenance of those which to enjoy good or very good status. In some cases, however, recovery may be a very slow and complex process, and it may prove impossible to achieve good water status by the end of 2015 from a technical or economic perspective. In such cases the WFD provides for the possibility of applying for extensions (2 extensions of 6 years each) for compliance with the objectives (Article 4.4 of the WFD) or otherwise a reduction in the environmental objectives (Article 4.5 of the WFD) if it can be justified that the objectives cannot be achieved. The Directive also covers the possibility that environmental objectives may not be fulfilled on a temporary basis as a result of natural causes under extreme conditions (Article 4.6), and consideration must be given to temporary exemption criteria in the event of one-off disturbances (droughts, floods and forest fires), or to the need for a reduction in objectives in the light of the impact on aquatic systems of possible environmental trends at a more global level, such as potential Climate Change. Water in Catalonia 67

68 WHAT ARE THE ECONOMIC COSTS OF SUSTAINABLE WATER USE? How can planning for sustainable water use bring economic benefits? Planning for the sustainable use of water in Catalonia will allow us to provide for a medium and long-term strategy guaranteeing the quantity and quality of water needed in order to satisfy the drinking water and production needs of the nation. This strategy will allow us to deal with exceptional circumstances (droughts, flooding, climate change...) without the need to adopt emergency measures, which are generally more costly and less efficient. Does guaranteeing sustainable water use have an economic cost? Yes. Planning and guaranteeing sustainable water use has a cost which we must all bear. Whether we are talking about urban, agricultural or industrial use, we must provide for a cost of water which takes into consideration not only provision of the corresponding service (supply, sewerage...) but also the environmental cost required in order to guarantee that we have the sufficient quality and quantity of water in order to satisfy the demand for human and environmental needs, while also guaranteeing the good ecological status of our nation s rivers, reservoirs, aquifers and coastal waters.

69 Where will the money needed be invested in order to achieve sustainable water use in Catalonia? Hydrological planning in Catalonia is being developed within the framework of the main European directives covering the issue of water: the Water Framework Directive, the Groundwater Directive, the Nitrates Directive, the Wastewater Treatment Directive, etc. Within this context, the ACA is producing a river basin management plan to be published in late 2009, presenting the plans and programmes of measures required in order to achieve the objectives established in the aforementioned European directives. These directives set the guidelines and targets intended to achieve the good ecological quality of all European waters. The investment required by the actions currently planned in accordance with the programmes of measures to be developed by the ACA stands at around 6.4 billion euros ( ), 2.3 billion of which has already been implemented or is currently being implemented. Plans and Programmes (approved and/or in process) 1.1 Total Sewerage and urban water quality programme 1.2 Total Regenerated water reuse programme 1.3 Total Environmental recovery and hydrological correction of rivers programme 1.4. Sectorial water supply plan in Catalonia (PSAAC) Total investments in water cycle infrastructure in Catalonia Cost Total M Implemented (April 2008) (A) Total M 208,45 208,45 80,02 347,41 635,88 9,96% In progress (April 2008) (B) Total M 400,38 400,38 125, , ,67 26,00% Implemented and in progress (A+B) Total M 608,83 608,83 205, , ,55 35,96% What type of actions will receive investment? The main plans and programmes defined by the Catalan Water Agency include, among others, actions involving sewerage, supply, reuse, river space planning, flood prevention, establishment of environmental flow rates, management of periods of drought, water savings, recovery of riverbanks and improved river connectivity. Will the costs of applying the Water Framework Directive apply to all of us? Article 9 of the WFD states that Member States shall take account of the principle of recovery of the costs of water services, including environmental and resource costs, on the basis of the economic analysis established in the directive itself, to be conducted as part of the process of implementation. It would therefore seem reasonable in this regard to suppose that costs will, to a greater or lesser extent, affect all uses of water, urban, industrial, agricultural and environmental, furthermore taking into consideration the fact that public authorities, whether European, national, regional or local, are also water users. Water in Catalonia 69

70 3 Public participation Implementation of the WFD involves, as one of its 4 founding pillars, a participatory model based on the following key elements: Operations at a river basin level. Inclusion of the maximum possible agents and diversity within the basin. Design of an open participation process. Production of materials accessible to all those involved. Definition of 3 phases: information, diagnosis and proposal. Provision of technical support in order to help participants produce their proposals. Pursuant to Article 14 of the WFD and Article 14 of the Hydrological Planning Regulations (Decree 380/2006), the Programme of Measures and the Water Management Plan for Catalonia are to be produced by means of a process of active citizenship. The Governing Council of the ACA approved the public consultation and participation calendar (which may be consulted on the ACA website). The definitive design has since 2006 included the aim of providing feedback on the proposals submitted by all participants, and potentially including them within the Programmes of Measures which are to make up the Water Management Plan for Catalonia.

71 What is public participation? Proactive involvement, which means seeking out agents, opening all possible doors to dissemination, contact and participation, through meetings, announcements, websites, etc. This protocol has been applied and improved in the two pilot experiments used to begin the participatory process in Catalonia. Bi-directional. It is not enough simply to register a consultation or query. Information and proposals must be presented, alternatives, reasons and arguments collated. Open, viewing representation in terms not of percentages but the diversity of agents involved within the basin. Debate as a key element in order to achieve consensus and include all contributions. Building consensus. Based on information and debate. With a place also for dissent, not as a percentage of votes for or against a proposal, and not classifying proposals as winners or losers. Involvement in an issue does not require expert status. A panel of experts is an instrument for technical consultancy, while participation is a process of discussion. What consultation measures are adopted? The participatory process must guarantee information, consultation and active participation on the part of the public and institutions. The ACA, with the support of the Directorate-General for Active Citizenship, has produced a protocol in order to conduct an effective participatory process open to all, thereby guaranteeing the presence within the process of the various interests present in each of Catalonia s river basins. Information consultation active participation How is the participatory process structure through elaboration of the Water Management Plan for Catalonia? The first step in the participatory process is that of informing the public about the Water Framework Directive and how it is being implemented in Catalonia: presentation of the diagnosis of the problems involved in water in Catalonia (IMPRESS document) and the future Water Management Plan for Catalonia. Having first been informed, the public are the consulted as to their opinions regarding the result of IMPRESS. This phase also involves consultation of various bodies and commissions (Council for the Sustainable Use of Water - CUSA, Technical Commission for the Implementation of the Water Framework Directive - CTIDMA, Inter-departmental Commission for the Implementation of the Water Framework Directive - CIIDMA...). Water in Catalonia 71

72 PHASE 1: PREPARATORY Preparation of the strategy: Production of maps of agents within the basin. Detection of possible conflicts and entities which could lead the process. PHASE 2: INFORMATION AND DISSEMINATION Information sessions: Information meetings for all agents within the basin: Information sessions open to citizens for presentation of the WFD, IMPRESS and participatory process. Perception survey: Created with the aim of uncovering the many different perspectives on water in order to identify possible central issues for debate. PHASE 3: DEBATES consensus creation, detection of dissent Evaluation of the diagnosis and proposals for programme of measures Creation of thematic working groups in accordance with the problems detected at the general information meetings: Specific meetings of each working group to deal with problems and make proposals in accordance with the priority given to the problems. Activation of groups using the specific web space. Virtual meeting place for consultation of documents generated by the working groups, forum for opinions, announcements... PHASE 4: RESULTS WORK Plenary information meeting of the working groups to present the results of the various groups. PHASE 5: FEEDBACK Return of all proposals to the participants and validation of the proposed measures. Assessment of the participatory process. In the final phase, active participation, the public becomes an active part of the process, with working groups evaluating the diagnoses (IMPRESS), the strategic lines to be followed in order to resolve the problems diagnosed being established and proposals made for the measures to be considered for inclusion in the Water Management Plan for Catalonia.

73 How will the process be applied? In order to bring the participatory process closer to the public, and to establish a greater knowledge of more local problems, the territory of Catalonia has been divided into 16 participation areas, in accordance with the regional structure of the Catalan river basins. Of these 16 areas, 12 correspond to the internal basins and 4 to the Catalan basins of the Ebro. The process of participation, conducted across the different areas in a phased manner, has now been completed for the internal basins of Catalonia, and is planned to begin soon in the areas of Alt Segre, Baix Segre and Nogueres-Garona. Process calendar Area of participation State of development September 2006 May 2007 Alt Ter (3) Completed September 2006 May 2007 Francolí - Gaià (11) Completed September 2007 February 2008 Baix Ter (4) Completed September 2007 February 2008 Tordera (6) Completed September 2007 February 2008 Foix i les rieres del Garraf (10) Completed December 2007 May 2008 Fluvià (2) Completed December 2007 May 2008 Rieres Meridionals (12) Completed December 2007 May 2008 Rieres de Llevant (5) Completed December 2007 May 2008 Cardener Alt Llobregat (8) Completed February 2008 July 2008 Muga (1) Completed February 2008 July 2008 Besòs (7) Completed February 2008 July 2008 Baix Llobregat - Anoia (9) Completed June 2008 February 2009 Nogueres - Garona (16) Commenced June 2008 February 2009 Alt Segre (15) Commenced June 2008 February 2009 Baix Segre (14) Commenced Pending schedule Ebre (13) Pending Areas of participation Water in Catalonia 73

74 The number of participants involved in the process conducted in the internal basins, and also the number of proposals received, are presented in the figure below: Participants Feedback 6% 3% 39% 25% 31% 43% 18% 12% 23% Total participants: 1766 persones, 1311 entitats Total proposals: 1861 (pending Feedback areas 1, 7 and 9) Particulars -81 Administration -330 Agricultural and Cattle/forest -155 Industrial/Energy/Companies -232 Reserch. Environmental education and social entities -513 Planned/Accepted ACA proposals -441 Accepted proposals derived from the process -238 Proposals responsability of other authorities and institutions -324 Not accepted proposals -28