In Murcia, the Water Minister, Sara Rubira, has highlighted the critical role of fourteen storm tanks in safeguarding the Mar Menor ecosystem. Recent heavy rains from Storm Alice have resulted in these tanks holding back two hundred thousand cubic metres of fresh water, which is equivalent to eighty Olympic swimming pools. This has been crucial in maintaining the health of the marine environment in the region.

Rubira has detailed that the retained water is being treated at various purification stations to be reused for agricultural purposes, specifically for local farming communities. Notably, the storm tank at the Torre Pacheco purification station has captured sixty-six thousand cubic metres of water.

During her recent visit to the areas most affected by the storm, particularly El Mirador in San Javier, Rubira assessed the damage to crops and emphasised that much of this could have been avoided. She called for the Confederación Hidrográfica del Segura to construct necessary infrastructure such as retention dams along the Rambla de Cobatillas to mitigate future damage.

Rubira underscored that the required measures have already been identified and urged for political will to implement them. The swift actions taken to manage stormwater in the region could prevent similar crises in the future.