Today : Mar 04, 2025
Climate & Environment
03 March 2025

AWS Launches Major Water Management Projects In Aragon

New initiatives aim to combat flood risks and improve agricultural sustainability through advanced technology.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has announced three groundbreaking water projects totaling €17.2 million aimed at enhancing water management and flood prevention measures in Aragon, Spain. These initiatives are set to significantly improve the water supply reliability and stimulate agricultural practices through advanced technology.

The new projects, which were unveiled in March 2025, are particularly relevant for the region’s Zaragoza area, where over 700,000 residents will benefit from enhanced infrastructure and reduced flood risk. A significant advancement includes the deployment of AI cloud-powered early-warning systems, which are intended to prevent floods similar to those experienced previously, which caused around €125 million in damages.

“Water scarcity is a global issue, and we are committed to doing our part to help solve this challenge. The new water projects in Aragon are an example of how AWS is not merely operating here, but we’re also partnering with local municipalities and organizations to build a stronger future,” said Kevin Miller, Vice President of Global Data Centres at AWS.

The floods of 2023 severely impacted Zaragoza, which saw significant infrastructure damage, including disruptions to its high-speed rail connections. To mitigate future occurrences, AWS is working closely with the Zaragoza City Municipality to employ advanced cloud computing technologies. This includes the implementation of intelligent weather monitoring systems, which will provide real-time data collection for predictive flood assessments and automate response efforts.

“By leveraging real-time data and AI analysis, we’re not just mitigating flood risks; we’re transforming Zaragoza and setting new standards for smart city solutions,” remarked Natalia Chueca, Mayor of Zaragoza. The new infrastructure will also include flood alleviation measures at 'Barranco de la Muerte', targeting one of the primary sources of the recent flooding.

On the agricultural front, Aragon's farmers, who utilize over 90% of the Ebro basin's water, will see substantial benefits from another AWS-backed initiative aimed at maximizing crop yields. Working with Agrow, AWS is deploying AI solutions to assist farmers with insights on optimal irrigation practices.

“We are proud to work with AWS to boost the agricultural revolution in Aragon, empowering farmers to reduce their water footprint effectively,” said Antonella Maggioni, CEO of Agrow. This collaboration aims to directly aid approximately 430 farmers across El Burgo de Ebro and Villanueva de Gállego, promoting efficient water use through data-driven guidance based on various agronomic parameters.

The aging San Julian de Banzo pipeline, which currently serves Huesca's 56,000 residents, will also receive upgrades. The Huesca City Municipality plans to replace portions of this pipeline to improve functionality and reliability.

“The renovation will allow us to recover the best quality water supply we have,” stated Lorena Orduna, Mayor of Huesca. This renovation will greatly improve the service quality and operational capacity of the water supply system, ensuring sustainable growth for Huesca.

Amazon’s broader commitment to water stewardship is clear, aiming to achieve water positivity by 2030, which means returning more water to communities than it employs. With these projects, over 7 billion litters of water are projected to be replenished annually, supporting local ecosystems and communities.

These water projects not only represent technological advancement but also signify a transformative approach to community engagement and environmental responsibility. Through collaboration with local populations, AWS is poised to make significant strides toward transforming water management practices across the region, showcasing the potential for technology to drive sustainable solutions.