TORREVIEJA U3A GETS THE TREATMENT
A group of Torrevieja U3A members recently visited the E.D.A.R Water Treatment Plant, accompanied by Graham Knight, Director of the O.A.R.I.
Situated between the cemetery and the salt lake yet hardly visible from the N332, this vast facility is one of the largest and most modern water treatment plant in the Valencian region. The entire process on site is computer controlled as are the many pumping stations around the town. Any problems can be identified immediately and teams sent out to resolve the matter.
The tour began in the main administration block with a welcome by the senior manager at the plant. This was followed by a power point presentation which clearly demonstrated the usage versus capacity of the plant which is such a vital part of the infrastructure of Torrevieja and surrounding areas. The bar charts and graphs clearly demonstrated the peaks of usage in the summer tourist boom periods and significantly, the reduction in demand during the crisis period. Ariel photographs, maps and drawings were shown of the vast network of pipes beneath the town, connecting the many pumping stations to the treatment plant. Since the plant opened in 1983 there has been a continual programme of investment at the facility.
The tour continued outside, firstly visiting the enclosed area where the waste water and materials arrives from all areas of the town via the pipes into a vast enclosed area of tanks. This waste, which contains large amounts of plastic materials, even footballs and in the past fire extinguishers and sadly, dead animals, has to be removed along with huge amounts of grease. As the water moves through the various cleaning stages biologists monitor the levels of bacteria present in the process as the good bacteria is needed in the filtration process. Eventually after numerous further processes including oxygenisation, finally the water is filtered through sand, a process not used in most water treatment plants in Spain. It is deemed necessary in Torrevieja as the cleaned water is piped back to key areas around the town for watering parks and gardens. The water is also used to clean the streets and as the main water supply to the La Mata Natural Park for the fire hydrants there.
At the conclusion of the two hour visit U3A Chairman Bob Hill was invited to inspect flasks of water, one before treatment and one after treatment. The difference looked remarkable. However, never was the phrase “not a drop passed his lips” more true. We wonder why!!
For further information visit www.u3atorrevieja.com.