MARCLAIMED Project Showcases Visionary Approach to Water Resilience and Coastal Protection at SWIM2025

A future where coastal communities can confidently rely on their freshwater resources, shielded from the threat of saltwater intrusion, was a central theme of the MARCLAIMED project’s presentation at the recent Salt Water Intrusion Meeting (SWIM2025). Beatriz de la Loma Gonzalez from CETAQUA, alongside Meritxell Minoves Ruiz from Aigües de Barcelona, shared the inspiring story of how innovation and circular economy principles are safeguarding Barcelona’s water supply.

The presentation captivated attendees by illustrating how the MARCLAIMED project is transforming a pressing environmental challenge into a sustainable solution. With saltwater silently encroaching on vital coastal aquifers worldwide – a problem worsened by climate change – the project offers a proactive strategy: harnessing the potential of reclaimed water.

Instead of viewing treated wastewater as an endpoint, MARCLAIMED redefines it as a valuable resource. This water, purified to high standards, is strategically injected back into the earth. This ingenious process achieves two vital goals: it forms a powerful, natural barrier pushing back the invading seawater, and it replenishes the underground reservoirs, securing a sustainable source of water for future generations through indirect potable reuse.

Our work in Barcelona is more than an engineering feat; it’s a testament to how human ingenuity, coupled with a respect for natural systems, can build truly resilient communities. We are essentially creating a shield of freshwater, powered by circularity, to protect one of our most precious resources.

The MARCLAIMED initiative, supported by the European Union’s Horizon Europe initiative, is not just about technology; it’s about fostering a new mindset towards water management. The positive response at SWIM2025 underscores the global need for such forward-thinking solutions that prioritize both environmental health and human well-being.