The project to utilise the water resources of the Sierra de Tramontana, or, as it is also known, the Sa Costera water-piping project, was accorded recognition yesterday by the Balearic Island Civil Engineering Award, which is given once every four years by the Balearic Island Division of the Association of Civil Engineers.

The project to utilise the water resources of the Sierra de Tramontana in Mallorca, Balearic Islands, stands out for its scrupulous respect for the environment. In order to avoid disturbing the ecosystem, it uses only a portion of the mountain's surplus water resources. So, whenever the water flowing out of the mountains falls below the ecologically safe level, the collection system shuts off. That is, it uses surplus water only.

The project's estimates show an average water intake of some seven to ten hm3/year at Sa Costera. That represents half the water the city of Palma de Mallorca consumes in a year.

The project is one of the most complete, most multidisciplinary affairs run in recent years in the Balearic Islands. For its construction, it was necessary to perform a wide range of work, such as dredging, the placement of underwater fill, the installation of a large-diameter underwater pipeline, apart from the necessary overland pipelines, water intake infrastructure, water tanks, recharge wells and various buildings that blend completely into the environment to house the different facilities (substations, pumps, etc.).

The project has been widely accepted by local people and seen very favourable light in the press, as shown by the different in-depth articles appearing in local newspapers while work was in progress. By all these signs, the infrastructure has earned society's acceptance.