Benidorm Authorities to Issue New Warning Following £332,562 Damage
Tourists visiting Benidorm will soon receive a new warning after a significant amount of damage amounting to £332,562 was caused in the popular holiday resort, as reported by Wales Online. The damage was a result of three hundred tonnes of wet wipes clogging the toilet drains, leading to issues in the sewage system and treatment plants in Benidorm, Spain. The resort, known for its sunny beaches, is a favourite among British expats and attracts 832,000 UK holidaymakers annually.
The problem arose as wet wipes comprised 90% of the solids that caused blockages in the wastewater network, particularly affecting the Severo Ochoa pumping station. Workers had to spend considerable time and effort unblocking pipes filled with these non-flushable wipes. Jose Ramon Gonzalez, the councillor responsible for the water cycle, highlighted the adverse impact of flushing wet wipes down toilets, stressing the environmental and economic consequences of such actions.
To address the issue and prevent future occurrences, Benidorm City Council has partnered with water company Hidraqua to launch a campaign named ‘Stop Wipes from Being News’. The initiative aims to raise awareness among residents and tourists about the proper disposal of wet wipes. Display screens and billboards across the resort will be utilised to spread the message and encourage behavioural changes. Ciriaco Clemente, the regional manager of Hidraqua, emphasised the importance of citizen cooperation in tackling the problem, which not only affects the environment but also has significant economic implications.
The excessive use of wet wipes not only causes blockages in the sewage system but also poses a threat to the marine environment when they are eventually pumped into the sea during heavy rainfall. Treatment plants can capture some wipes during dry weather, but during storms, the protection system may fail, leading to further contamination. Clemente stressed the need for collective action to address the issue effectively, emphasising that citizen awareness and collaboration are crucial for long-term solutions.
The repercussions of the damage in Benidorm serve as a wake-up call for both residents and tourists to rethink their flushing habits and consider the wider impact of their actions on the environment and infrastructure. By spreading awareness and promoting responsible disposal practices, authorities hope to prevent similar incidents in the future and safeguard the ecological well-being of the resort. With preventive measures and community engagement, Benidorm aims to protect its sewage system and preserve its pristine beaches for future generations to enjoy.
As Benidorm gears up to implement the warning campaign and address the aftermath of the sewage system damage, it underscores the importance of sustainable tourism practices and individual accountability in safeguarding natural resources. The collective effort to combat the wet wipes issue signifies a proactive step towards environmental conservation and underscores the significance of raising public awareness on the impacts of improper waste disposal. By coming together to tackle such challenges, Benidorm aims to uphold its reputation as a premier holiday destination while upholding environmental stewardship for the benefit of all visitors and residents alike.