The Galindo wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Bilbao, Spain, is advancing its commitment to innovation and sustainability by implementing Actiflo® Turbo technology for stormwater management. This significant enhancement is part of the Primary Treatment Renovation and Improvement Construction Project, initiated by the Bilbao-Bizkaia Water Consortium and Aguas de las Cuencas de España (ACUAES), showcasing the city’s dedication to developing climate-resilient infrastructure.
The project entails a total investment of approximately 38 million euros, with 80% being co-financed by Next Generation EU funds through the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, as part of Spain’s Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan. The remaining 20% will be covered by the consortium during construction, following an agreement signed on June 1, 2022, which outlines the project’s execution, financing, and operation.
The upgraded facility will have the capacity to treat 21,600 cubic meters of stormwater per hour. It boasts a performance that ensures over 82.5% removal of suspended solids or levels below 35 mg/l in treated water, significantly benefiting local ecosystems. Developed by Veolia, the Actiflo Turbo technology provided by Veolia Water Technologies Ibérica employs an accelerated coagulation-flocculation-decantation process enhanced by microsand, enabling compact, rapid, and effective treatment.
As cities around the globe confront the challenges of climate change, this resilient solution is increasingly favored as a complement to traditional storm tank systems. The adoption of this technology aligns with the new EU Directive 2024/3019 on Urban Wastewater Treatment, which highlights the urgent need to tackle stormwater and urban runoff pollution, particularly in the face of more frequent and intense rainfall.
In this framework, Actiflo Turbo offers a reliable and efficient solution. Its established capability to handle large water volumes rapidly and effectively within a compact design positions this technology as a strong response to both present and future needs in climate-adaptive stormwater management.
Source: Veolia
