The climate projections that the IPCC foresees for the Mediterranean and, therefore, for the city of Barcelona contemplate an increase of up to 3.5oC in the average temperature and a decrease of around 10% in rainfall. In addition, a change in its regime is predicted, with an increase in extreme episodes associated with floods. In a context of water scarcity, flood water is discharged into the sea and is lost as a usable resource. Favouring its recharge in the aquifer would imply an increase in water resources, a reduction in the virulence of floods and an increase in resilience to droughts. Even so, this water has a high concentration of pollutants due to the dragging of particles and contact with urbanised surfaces, making it necessary to evaluate the impact that its recharge would have on the aquifer. The LLOBMAR project aims to assess the feasibility of recharging floodwater in the aquifers of the lower Llobregat, which are and will be strategic water resources for the city of Barcelona. LLOBMAR will evaluate the different floodwater recharge techniques, include them in a numerical hydrogeological model and evaluate the impact of recharge on the water quality of the aquifers. The modelling will be based on a model of the lower part of the Llobregat, updated in the Groundwater Hydrology Group (UPC-CSIC, 2022) where the recharge actions will be included, and the reactive transport models will be carried out. In this way, LLOBMAR will determine the best locations in the lower part of the Llobregat to recharge the flood water, always considering the impact on the aquifer. With all this, LLOBMAR will increase the water security of the city, making it more resilient to the effects of climate change and floods, favouring social cohesion, minimising the social tensions caused by droughts and promoting the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
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