Wastewater leaking into the street for almost two years
For almost two years, residents of a street in Planas del Rey have faced a sewerage problem. A pipe carrying household wastewater, damaged in several places, allows sewage to leak directly onto the road.
Despite reports of the problem, no lasting solution had been put in place when this article was published.
A public health concern
This is more than an inconvenience. The regular presence of exposed sewage raises concerns about public health and environmental protection.
The leaks produce persistent odours and create unsanitary conditions in a street used daily by residents. Birds have also been observed drinking from the contaminated water.
Residents paid for an intervention
In early 2024, several residents of Magnolia Street hired a specialist drain-clearing company at their own expense.
Various items of waste were removed from the blocked pipe. The work temporarily restored the flow. A few weeks later, however, the pipe became blocked again and sewage returned to the street.
Pipes damaged by their surroundings
Residents also report that roots have entered the pipes, gradually contributing to their deterioration. Without regular maintenance of the roads and their verges, this makes the sewerage network harder to keep working and increases the likelihood of further blockages.
Part of a wider infrastructure problem
This situation forms part of the wider difficulties surrounding infrastructure management in Planes del Rei, a residential development within the municipality of Pratdip.
The council cites the lack of formal acceptance of the development as a whole to explain the limits of its involvement. Formal acceptance is the administrative act through which the municipality officially accepts completed infrastructure. However, partial formal acceptance of the sports area was approved on 9 April 2021; it did not cover all the roads and utility networks.
The archives also describe the registration of certain shared assets in the name of Pratdip Council at the Falset Land Registry. This registry records property rights. It is separate from the cadastre, which describes properties for purposes including taxation.
Ownership of assets and formal acceptance of infrastructure are therefore separate matters. The relevant deeds and decisions identify the assets concerned and help establish each party’s responsibilities.
What is the council’s position?
The residents affected have reported the situation to Pratdip’s mayor, Sílvia Carrillo, drawing her attention to the health and environmental consequences of the leaks.
According to information communicated to residents, the council believes it cannot intervene because of Planas del Rey’s administrative status and the lack of formal acceptance of the development as a whole.
This position raises questions among several property owners, given the nature of the problem and the risks associated with sewage on a public road.
A lasting solution is still needed
Residents are waiting for a lasting solution to repair the pipe, prevent further blockages and restore sanitary conditions.
Beyond this specific repair, the situation also raises the question of long-term maintenance and management of the sewerage network in Planes del Rei.
Further developments
When this article was published, no lasting intervention had brought these wastewater leaks to an end.
La Tribune de Planas will continue to follow the issue and report on developments.
11/05/2025
La Tribune de Planas
Video recorded in May 2025
This footage shows wastewater leaking into a street in Planas del Rey. It illustrates the situation described in this article.
