Spain's Environment Ministry pushes water policy reforms amid quality concerns

Minister Sara Aagesen announced the launch of a participation process to redesign the rules governing the Tajo‑Segura water transfer. She highlighted recent Supreme Court rulings that support the protection of the river's ecological flows and stressed that “the priority is to preserve those ecological flows before considering any use.” The ministry said it is monitoring ecological water levels and will coordinate actions with all affected parties.

In a related statement, sub‑delegate María José Rico said the government is reviewing studies that show water‑quality problems at the Alcolea reservoir, including acidity and mining‑related contamination. She noted that “the University of Huelva is confirming something that was already known.” The central government denies a rupture with the Andalusian regional authority, while President Juanma Moreno continues to press for the dam’s completion, arguing that abandoning the project would waste the investment already made.