The 17 ornamental fountains in Vila-real will benefit from a new, more efficient and sustainable maintenance service. The City Council has presented the conservation and repair service, which includes improvements to reduce water and energy consumption, detect malfunctions earlier, and keep these installations in good condition.
The new contract, awarded to Facsa, has an initial duration of two years, extendable up to a maximum of four, and its amount is 555,792.98 euros, VAT included.
With this new phase, the City Council is moving towards a management approach based on the continuous maintenance of facilities, energy efficiency, and the responsible use of water. The Deputy Mayor and Councillor for Public Services (SPV), María Fajardo, emphasized that “Maintaining a contract for ornamental fountains is not just an aesthetic matter, but an investment in quality of life, urban sustainability, and water efficiency. This contract allows us to guarantee continuous, high-quality maintenance of Vila-real's ornamental fountains. These elements beautify our streets and squares, bring freshness to public spaces, and contribute to making the city a more pleasant, sustainable, and welcoming environment for its residents.”
One of the main new features will be the installation of recirculation and filtration systems in fountains that do not yet have them. This measure will allow water to be reused within the facility itself and avoid unnecessary replacements.
Remote control systems will also be incorporated to monitor equipment operation and water levels remotely and in real time. This technology will facilitate the early detection of potential level drops, leaks, or malfunctions, allowing for faster response times and preventing minor incidents from escalating into larger problems.
The new service also includes cleaning and water quality control, as well as the maintenance of all associated elements: pumps, pipes, valves, fountains, electrical panels, lighting, waterproofing, and pool basins. In addition, it will offer 24-hour emergency service.
The management of the work will be fully digitized, allowing the City Council to track the work carried out on each fountain, better monitor incidents, and plan maintenance more efficiently. In this regard, Luis Basiero, Director of the Sanitation and Wastewater Treatment Area at FACSA, stated that "FACSA's commitment once again lies in digitization, enabling us to plan the maintenance of ornamental fountains in a highly organized and proactive manner.".
For her part, Fajardo pointed out that “ornamental fountains, like green spaces, help to cool the urban environment, especially during the hottest months, improve the comfort of public spaces, and promote biodiversity. Therefore, maintaining them in optimal condition is a clear commitment to a more pleasant, sustainable city, better prepared for the effects of climate change.” The deputy mayor also emphasized that “this contract guarantees planned, efficient, and transparent management of fountain maintenance, preventing the degradation of an urban heritage that is part of Vila-real’s everyday landscape.”
The continued involvement of Facsa, which was already providing the service, will allow the company to leverage its expertise regarding the technical characteristics and specific needs of each water source. This experience will facilitate work planning and the implementation of improvements focused on digitalization, efficiency, and water and energy savings, while also providing greater proactive capacity in addressing potential issues.
With this action, the City Council seeks to conserve and enhance the ornamental fountains as part of the urban landscape of Vila-real, while moving towards a more responsible management of water and energy.
