LIFE Matrix

Led by Cetaqua Andalucía, this initiative features the participation of Cetaqua Barcelona, ACOSOL, and the University of Malaga, with its demonstration phase taking place in Marbella.

In recent years, droughts across the European Union have become increasingly frequent. With a third of the territory now experiencing water stress, the availability of this vital resource is severely compromised. To address this, the LIFE Matrix project—funded under the European LIFE programme—aims to demonstrate the technical, environmental, and health viability of a Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) system using reclaimed water (treated wastewater that has undergone advanced treatment for safe reuse).

The LIFE Matrix solution relies on three core dimensions: a physical aspect, ensuring reclaimed water quality is optimal for aquifer recharge; a digital aspect, integrating all operational data into a risk management tool; and a governance aspect, establishing guidelines to standardize this recharge system within national and European regulatory frameworks.

The Costa del Sol, selected as the pilot site for the LIFE Matrix project.

The LIFE Matrix solution will be demonstrated on the Costa del Sol, specifically at the Víbora Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) in Marbella, managed by ACOSOL—a public enterprise under the Association of Municipalities of the Western Costa del Sol. Selected as one of Spain's top tourist regions, this location faces two interconnected challenges: structural water stress and a doubling of water demand during the summer peak. This highlights the urgent need to integrate non-conventional water resources, such as reclaimed water, into water management plans. Near-total reduction of greenhouse gas emissions The managed aquifer recharge system proposed by LIFE Matrix combines nature-based technologies—leveraging the geological environment for natural water purification—with strict quality control across three critical phases (water, soil, and aquifer) to ensure optimal recharge water quality. hrough this approach, the LIFE Matrix project will divert 50,000 m³ of reclaimed water for aquifer recharge via surface infiltration. This methodology increases available groundwater resources by 15% and reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by 99% relative to alternative treatment technologies.