The Segura River Basin Authority has signed contracts to begin designing two new desalination plants in Águilas and Torrevieja, aimed at improving water security in southern Spain. The initial planning phase will cost around €1.34 million, including VAT, and is expected to take about a year, although environmental studies and public consultation could extend the timetable.

The project is divided into two parts. The Águilas plant, linked to the right bank canal, will produce up to fifty cubic hectometres of desalinated water each year, mainly supplying the Region of Murcia. The larger Torrevieja facility, connected to the left bank canal, will have double that capacity and will supply Alicante province and the Campo de Cartagena.

Much of the water will be used to reduce pressure on heavily overexploited aquifers across Murcia, Alicante and nearby areas, with some supplies reaching towns facing shortages through direct delivery or water swaps. While the towns to be served have been confirmed, the exact locations of both plants are still being studied, along with possible connections to existing desalination infrastructure.