A Wastewater Discharge That Has Continued for Nearly Two Years
For nearly two years, residents of a street in Planas del Rey have been dealing with a sewage problem. A domestic wastewater pipe, damaged in several places, allows wastewater to flow directly onto the roadway.
Despite repeated reports, no lasting solution had been implemented by the time this article was published.
A Public Health Issue
This is more than a simple inconvenience. The continuous presence of wastewater in the open raises concerns about public health and environmental protection.
These discharges generate persistent unpleasant odours and create unsanitary conditions in a street used daily by residents. Birds have also been observed drinking from the contaminated water, contributing to the spread of pollutants in the surrounding environment.
An Intervention Funded by the Residents
In early 2024, several residents of Magnolia Street decided to hire, at their own expense, a company specialising in drain and sewer cleaning.
During the intervention, various types of waste were removed from the blocked pipe. The operation temporarily restored the flow. However, only a few weeks later, the pipe became blocked again and wastewater once more overflowed into the street.
Pipes Damaged by Their Surroundings
Residents also report that tree roots have penetrated several sections of the underground pipes, contributing to their gradual deterioration. The lack of regular maintenance of the roads and surrounding vegetation encourages this process and increases the risk of further blockages in the wastewater network.
A Problem That Is Part of a Wider Situation
This issue forms part of a broader situation concerning the management of infrastructure in Planas del Rey, a residential development located within the municipality of Pratdip.
The Town Hall has repeatedly stated that the development was never officially “accepted” by the municipality, which, according to its position, limits its responsibility for maintaining the infrastructure.
Several property owners point out, however, that the streets, certain public infrastructures and green areas are registered in the name of Pratdip Town Hall in the Falset cadastral register. This registration is an important administrative element, although it does not, by itself, constitute legal proof of ownership.
What Is the Town Hall’s Position?
The affected residents reported the situation to the Mayor of Pratdip, Mrs Silvia Carrillo, drawing attention to the public health and environmental consequences of these wastewater discharges.
According to the information provided to residents, the Town Hall considers that it cannot intervene because of the administrative status of Planas del Rey and the absence of an official municipal acceptance of the development.
This position raises questions among a number of property owners, given the nature of the problem and the risks associated with wastewater flowing onto a public road.
A Long-Term Solution Is Still Needed
Residents are now hoping that a permanent solution can be implemented to repair the pipe, prevent further blockages and restore acceptable sanitary conditions.
Beyond this specific incident, the situation also raises broader questions about the long-term maintenance and management of the wastewater network serving Planas del Rey.
To Be Continued…
At the time this article was published, no lasting intervention had yet put an end to these wastewater discharges.
La Tribune de Planas will continue to follow this issue and report on any further developments.
11/05/2025
Jim – La Tribune de Planas
Video recorded in May 2025.
These images show the wastewater discharge observed in a street in Planas del Rey. They illustrate the situation described above.
