In Vitoria-Gasteiz, on September 11, 2026, the four entities signed an agreement to conduct a study on supply and sanitation infrastructure alternatives within the Zadorra hydrological unit. This analysis will seek the best technical, economic, operational, and environmental solution, considering the entire lifecycle of associated infrastructures.
Special attention will be given to AMVISA's potential to serve other municipalities, identifying possible synergies and resource optimization opportunities. The agreement will enable joint and coordinated planning for future investments, ensuring the security and quality of water supply, improving sanitation systems, and responding to new challenges from climate change and evolving European and state regulations.
The Zadorra basin encompasses the municipalities of Agurain, Alegría-Dulantzi, Legutio, Zuia, Zigoitia, Arratzua-Ubarrundia, Iruña Oka, and Iruraiz-Gauna, along with the city of Vitoria-Gasteiz, totaling 270,128 inhabitants, representing over 81% of Álava's population. The signatory entities currently serve more than 90% of the territory's population, making their coordination key to addressing future challenges in the integral water cycle.
Saray Zárate, Deputy for Development and Sustainability, emphasized that "it is essential to plan rigorously, coordinate actions between institutions, and anticipate the challenges posed by water management." Asier López Etxebarria, Director General of URA, stated that the agreement "will facilitate the definition of integrated urban water cycle solutions in the most populated area of Araba, combining criteria of long-term economies of scale, resilience to climate change, and greater protection for our water bodies."
Pascual Borja, president of AMVISA, noted that the study will allow "identifying how we can collaborate more and better with the municipalities in the basin, ensuring a secure supply and sanitation that meets new regulatory requirements." Julen Ibarrola, president of the water consortium URBIDE, highlighted that "in the rural areas of Álava, local entities have limited technical and financial capacity due to the declining population in small, dispersed settlements, yet they are competent administrations in making decisions about sustainable water management."
The study will have a maximum budget of 150,000 euros, funded equally by the four participating entities. Upon completion, it will serve as a basis for agreeing on an investment roadmap to advance towards a more efficient, sustainable, resilient, and coordinated water management model for the entire Zadorra basin.
