Raimat launches largest natural European gravity-based water treatment plant
Lleida-based winery Raimat has constructed the largest natural gravity-based water treatment plant in Europe, creating 40,000m2 of wetlands in the middle of its vineyards that can purify 80,000 litres of water per day.
Since these wetlands use natural processes to purify water, they require minimal energy consumption and generate zero waste.
The vertical flow wetland system – which Raimat developed in collaboration with the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) – is designed to treat the winery’s wastewater, which is channelled to the treatment plant about six kilometres away.
The wastewater is passed through filter beds planted with around 200 reeds – which act as purifying agents without the need for any chemicals.
Commenting on the project Joan Esteve, director of Raimat, said: “We have set up eight ponds at different levels, and the water is purified biologically, rather than chemically, with the reeds planted in the wetlands and the gravel acting as a microfilter.”
He also added that the treatment plant “does not emit any odour, thus also solving a common problem with traditional treatment plants”.
Raimat estimates that when fully operational – in about one year’s time – this will enable a reduction in energy consumption of around 200,000kWh, preventing the emission of 65.6 tonnes of CO2 annually (about 30,000 cars driving for a day).
In addition to improving environmental efficiency, and bringing monetary savings, the project will contribute to improving the biodiversity of the area, as the plants used in the process will encourage the creation of new natural habitats.
Joan Garcia, professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at UPC, explained: “A conventional treatment plant consumes excessive energy, so it does not make much sense to continue with this 20th century technology.
“The alternative is a system that copies the processes found in nature and allows this water to be treated at zero or almost zero energy cost. Therefore, it saves money, but also CO2 emissions, reducing the company's carbon footprint.”
The treatment plant also does not require any maintenance personnel, apart from technicians who collect water samples on a weekly basis for analysis.
Raimat has invested in two other significant environmental innovations this year – its own composting plant and a 20% reduction in water consumption in its vineyards due to the use of precision and underground irrigation systems.
The winery is one of 15 owned by Raventós Codorníu, Spain’s oldest wine producer. Sustainability is at the forefront of its business model – it was certified as a B Corp in 2025, and 100% of its vineyards are certified organic by the Catalan Council for Organic Agricultural Production.
Quotes in article translated to English from original Spanish
Keywords:
Search
Digital Editions
56-58 Church Walk, Burgess Hill, West Sussex, RH15 9AN
Registered in England No. 6646125. VAT No. 938 4452 95
