Ibiza Town is preparing a new phase of flood-prevention work after a year of improvements to drainage infrastructure, emergency response and water management following the severe storms that affected the island in September and October 2025.

The municipality has already completed several projects designed to improve the evacuation and management of rainwater, including a new stormwater network on Avenida Joan Carles I and Ibiza's first stormwater retention tank in Platja d'en Bossa.

The city is now preparing further measures, including a specific flood-response plan and additional investment in the municipal water and drainage network.

A year of work after the 2025 floods

The latest measures were presented by Ibiza Town Mayor Rafael Triguero and Environment Councillor Jordi Grivé as the municipality marked one year since the first major flooding episode of September 2025.

The municipality says the past year has focused on three areas: improving infrastructure, strengthening emergency resources and refining the protocols used when extreme weather affects the city.

Among the completed works are improvements around Es Pratet and Ses Feixes, where the main outlet from Ses Feixes was enlarged at a point where a narrowing had restricted the evacuation of water towards the sea.

Work was also carried out on Camí de Can Murtera, where perforated covers were installed on drainage chambers to increase the amount of rainwater entering and being evacuated through the network.

Improvements around Sa Llavanera

Further work has been undertaken around the Sa Llavanera torrent.

At the rear of the Brisol building, the passage of the torrent was cleared to facilitate the movement of water. In another section, the available passage was increased where a pipe had been restricting the flow.

New high-capacity storm drains were also installed in the area around the Girasoles building and the entrance to the Brisol building.

The municipality says the Sa Llavanera torrent in the Eurocentro area has also been cleaned and is currently in suitable condition to improve water evacuation.

New stormwater network on Avenida Joan Carles I

One of the larger infrastructure projects completed during the past year is the new stormwater network on Avenida Joan Carles I.

The system is designed to increase the capacity to collect and evacuate rainwater separately from the wastewater network.

The separation of rainwater and sewage is an important part of the city's longer-term strategy because intense rainfall can place significant pressure on combined drainage systems.

Ibiza’s first stormwater retention tank is now operating

Another major project is the stormwater retention tank on Calle Fray Luis de León in Platja d'en Bossa.

The tank has a capacity of approximately 1,000 cubic metres and is designed to collect and regulate large quantities of rainwater during periods of heavy rainfall.

The municipality says the infrastructure will reduce pressure on the drainage network and help minimise flooding. It also forms part of a wider system intended to reduce direct discharges towards the beach and improve the treatment of water during overflow events.

The construction contract was awarded to JARALIA INTEGRAL for €968,000.

More investment is planned

The municipality says further investment is expected through the city's forthcoming water and sanitation contract.

Jordi Grivé said the new contract would involve significant investment in the city's water infrastructure, including improvements to the collection and evacuation of rainwater through systems separated from wastewater.

The aim is to address longstanding problems in lower-lying parts of the city, including flooding in areas such as Es Pratet and the appearance of wastewater during periods of intense rainfall.

The exact scope, timetable and value of all future works should be distinguished from projects that have already been completed or contracts that have already been awarded.

A specific flood plan is being prepared

The municipality has also begun the administrative process for a dedicated flood plan.

The plan will be incorporated as an annex to Ibiza's Municipal Emergency Plan and is being prepared by Environment Councillor Jordi Grivé.

The purpose is to establish more detailed procedures specifically for flood events, complementing the broader emergency framework already approved by the municipality.

New rules when an orange weather alert is issued

The city has also established a specific response to orange-level weather warnings.

When an orange meteorological alert is activated, the municipality says it will close children's parks and municipal sports facilities and suspend municipal activities.

The measure is intended to reduce exposure to risk during periods when heavy rain or other severe weather is forecast.

Emergency response has also been strengthened

Infrastructure is only one part of the city's response.

Ibiza Town's Civil Protection service has received a new vehicle and trailer equipped for emergency operations, while personnel have received specific training.

The Local Police has also introduced a coordinated protocol with the Guardia Civil for torrential-rain situations.

Under the protocol, major access roads including the E-10 and E-20 can be closed when necessary. The municipality says the objective is to prevent vehicles from entering the city during dangerous conditions while helping vehicles already inside the centre to leave safely.

The Local Police has also added two adapted vehicles, including a pick-up capable of operating on flooded streets and a van equipped for emergency interventions.

Lessons from the 2025 storms

The measures follow some of the most disruptive rainfall Ibiza experienced in recent years.

The September and October 2025 storms caused widespread flooding and significant damage to infrastructure across the island. The airport road, in particular, suffered severe flooding, with millions of litres of water having to be removed before the route could reopen.

The Govern subsequently developed an emergency infrastructure programme covering several of the island's most vulnerable locations.

One of the major projects concerns the EI-800 airport road, where the Govern has been working on a larger stormwater retention basin and improvements to the system used to evacuate water from the road tunnel. Hydrological and hydraulic studies were carried out between December 2025 and March 2026 to determine the appropriate long-term solution.

A longer-term approach to flood prevention

Ibiza's latest measures show a shift from responding to flooding after it happens towards improving drainage capacity and emergency preparedness before the next major storm.

The municipality has already completed several local drainage improvements and a new stormwater retention facility, while further investment is expected through the city's water and sanitation infrastructure.

At the same time, the new specific flood plan and updated emergency protocols are intended to give the municipality a clearer framework for managing future severe-weather events.

The work does not eliminate the risk of flooding, particularly during exceptionally intense rainfall, but it is intended to improve the city's ability to collect, evacuate and temporarily store rainwater while strengthening its response when extreme weather occurs.