Vistabella del Maestrat, the highest village in the Valencian Community, stands at 1,249 metres above sea level. Its karst landscape requires extremely precise water management, especially in the context of climate change and rural depopulation.
Digitising the water network has enabled the municipality to gain more control, reduce leaks and manage the system based on real data. This article explains the process and the results achieved.
Many homes in Vistabella remain closed for months. With old mechanical meters and only one annual reading, leaks could go unnoticed for long periods.
The introduction of ultrasonic smart meters —such as flowIQ 3200 and flowIQ 2200— now allows:
These meters have no moving parts and maintain their accuracy for up to 16 years.
Before SCADA, operators had to travel long distances across mountain roads to inspect pumps, wells and tanks.
Now, the entire network can be monitored and controlled from a single interface:
This not only optimises resources but also reduces emissions.
The project directly supports:
In an area threatened by desertification, saving water is essential.
Azor II suffered from severe incrustation and turbidity issues.
The recovery process included:
The efficiency improvement is significant: from a 30 kW pump to a 4 kW one.
Digital systems now regulate:
These measures protect the network and ensure safe water.
Conclusion
Vistabella del Maestrat shows how innovation can strengthen water resilience in rural areas. By combining technology and good engineering, the municipality has achieved a safer and more efficient system.