In a world where over 70% of available freshwater is consumed by agriculture, inefficient irrigation is not just a technical failure—it is a systemic threat. In Mediterranean regions like the Valencian Community, the impacts of climate change—less rainfall, higher temperatures, and increased demand—combine with outdated irrigation systems, resulting in losses that jeopardize both water security and agricultural viability. This irrigation community, covering more than 1,400 hectares and over 300 farming units, is confronting this challenge with an ambitious proposal: to transform its traditional water distribution infrastructure into an intelligent efficiency system, capable of saving more than 1.5 million cubic meters annually. That volume is equivalent to the yearly drinking water consumption of 25,000 people.
This project goes beyond technifying irrigation—it redefines the relationship between farmers and water. It replaces open canals with pressurized distribution networks, installs telemetry-enabled hydrants, monitors consumption in real time, trains producers in high-efficiency practices, and digitizes water governance. Every automated valve and every cubic meter not consumed helps restore hydrological margin in a stressed basin, reduce pressure on aquifers, and generate a measurable, additional, and intentional volumetric water benefit.
Located in the municipality of Llíria, province of Valencia, the project is situated within the Júcar River Basin District—one of the 100 most water-stressed basins globally, as recognized by the CEO Water Mandate. Its purpose is not only operational but strategic: to prove that agricultural communities can lead water replenishment efforts and that efficiency is not a constraint, but an opportunity.
Key actors involved include the Irrigation Community itself, the engineering firm responsible for hydraulic design, a technology provider for digital instrumentation, and an external technical structurer in charge of quantifying and verifying volumetric water benefits using VWBA 2.0 methodology (A-2 method). The project complies with the principles of additionality (the savings would not occur without the project), traceability (each intervention has digital monitoring and historical records), and intentionality (it was explicitly designed to generate net water benefit). In essence, this is a real water replenishment platform with measurable impact on efficiency, agrarian resilience, and the health of the regional water system.
Reducing Losses, Boosting Resilience: Efficiency as the Engine of Rural Transformation
This project addresses one of the most urgent and strategic opportunities in the European agricultural sector: to reconvert low-efficiency irrigation systems into platforms for regenerative water efficiency. Specifically, it transforms an open-channel gravity-fed distribution network—experiencing over 30% water loss—into a pressurized smart network operated with sectorized valves and real-time digital monitoring. Implementation includes volume-controlled hydrants, pressure and flow sensors, and a cloud-based platform that allows over 300 farmers to manage water consumption transparently, efficiently, and collaboratively.
The annual water savings achieved through this intervention exceed 1,500,000 m³, representing more than 25% of previous total consumption. This volume is not simply redistributed; it constitutes a net hydrological benefit under VWBA, as it reduces consumptive use without shifting pressure to other sources. Additionally, the project is expected to reduce operating costs by 15%, improve productivity per unit of water, and decrease conflicts among users through transparent water allocation.
This model is fully replicable across more than 3,000 irrigation communities in Spain and tens of thousands across the Mediterranean basin, where open systems lacking sensing and control still dominate. It provides a pathway to simultaneously address climate mitigation (reduced withdrawals, lower pumping needs), adaptation (greater resilience to drought), and food security.
Leading this type of solution positions partner companies—whether tech providers, financial backers, or agro-industrial firms—as strategic players in the water transition. Their involvement enables not only compliance with ESG objectives but also visibility through quantifiable, verified, and regulation-aligned results. In a context where impact traceability matters more than intention, this project tells a transformative story—one that connects efficiency, water equity, and a regenerative future.
To enhance water efficiency and sustainability in agricultural practices, the project integrates modern irrigation technologies, digital water management, and renewable energy solutions. These strategies work together to optimize resource use, reduce water losses, and improve energy efficiency, ensuring a long-term sustainable impact.
1. Optimizing Water Use Through Modern Irrigation Systems
One of the most effective ways to mitigate water waste in agriculture is the transition from traditional irrigation methods to drip irrigation. This system delivers water directly to plant roots, minimizing evaporation and runoff while ensuring crops receive the exact amount of water needed. By implementing precision irrigation techniques, the project reduces unnecessary water extraction, helping to preserve aquifers and other natural water sources while maintaining optimal agricultural productivity.
2. Digitalizing Water Management for Precision Irrigation
Water overuse in agriculture is often due to inefficient application rather than actual need. To address this, the project incorporates soil moisture sensors and digital monitoring systems that provide real-time data on soil conditions. By ensuring that irrigation occurs only when necessary, this approach significantly reduces water wastage and prevents over-irrigation, which can lead to soil degradation and nutrient loss. Additionally, by optimizing water distribution, farmers can improve crop yields while conserving valuable water resources.
3. Reducing Energy Dependence Through Renewable Solutions
Traditional water pumping systems rely heavily on electricity or fossil fuels, increasing operational costs and carbon emissions. To mitigate this, the project integrates solar-powered pumping systems, allowing farmers to reduce energy dependency and operating expenses. This transition to renewable energy sources not only enhances economic sustainability but also reduces the environmental footprint of irrigation activities, aligning with global climate action goals.
4. Ensuring Long-Term Impact Through Training and Capacity Building
Technological advancements alone are not enough to sustain water conservation. To ensure long-term success, the project includes farmer training programs focused on efficient water use, digital monitoring, and renewable energy integration. By equipping farmers with the necessary knowledge and skills, the project builds local capacity for sustainable agricultural practices, ensuring that the benefits of these interventions are maintained and expanded over time.
SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation: Enhancing water efficiency through drip irrigation and digitalized water management.
SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy: Reducing energy consumption in agriculture by integrating renewable energy sources.
SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth: Creating new employment opportunities in the agricultural sector by introducing advanced irrigation technologies.
SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: Implementing modern irrigation technologies to optimize water use in agriculture.
SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: Promoting efficient water resource management and reducing the environmental impact of irrigation.
SDG 13 – Climate Action: Strengthening the agricultural sector’s resilience to climate change by improving water and energy efficiency.
This project follows a structured, multi-phase approach to improve water efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and promote sustainable irrigation practices. Each step ensures long-term benefits for agricultural productivity while optimizing resource use.
1. Assessment of the Current Irrigation System
Before implementing changes, a thorough evaluation is conducted to identify inefficiencies and areas for improvement.
2. Installation of Drip Irrigation Systems
To optimize water distribution, modern irrigation technology is introduced.
3. Implementation of Real-Time Monitoring Technologies
Smart irrigation solutions are integrated to further optimize water use.
4. Integration of Renewable Energy into Pumping Systems
To reduce operational costs and environmental impact, sustainable energy solutions are implemented.
5. Training and Capacity Building for Farmers
Ensuring effective adoption of these technologies requires proper education and support.
The modernization of the irrigation system in Callosa d’en Sarrià represents a fundamental step towards a more efficient and climate-resilient agricultural sector. The implementation of drip irrigation, digital monitoring systems, and renewable energy sources will significantly reduce water and energy consumption, improving farmers’ profitability and promoting sustainability in the sector.
This integrated approach will not only benefit agricultural producers but also contribute to the conservation of regional water resources, reducing pressure on water sources and ensuring a more equitable and sustainable supply. The combination of modern infrastructure, technological innovation, and training in sustainable agricultural practices will ensure that this project has a lasting impact, positioning Callosa d’en Sarrià as a model for efficient and responsible water management in agriculture.
