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Work Begins on the New Rotes Well Drilling in La Nucía

 

16 November 2025 / La Nucia

 

New well to supply irrigation water for orchards and drinking water for residents

 

Drilling has commenced on the new Rotes well borehole in La Nucía, following the completion of preliminary site preparation earlier this week. The two-month project, led by the General Directorate of Water of the Valencian Regional Government’s Ministry of Agriculture, is expected to restore vital water supply capabilities from early 2026 onwards.

 

Once operational, the new well will provide essential irrigation water for local orchards and drinking water for the municipality, reinstating a crucial resource for agricultural and residential needs.

 

The start of the works was visited by José Manuel Devesa, Secretary of the Irrigation Community; Pepe Cano, Councillor for Technical Services; and Bernabé Cano, Mayor of La Nucía.

 

Urgent action following collapse of the original well

The previous “Pou de Rotes” well, in service for 42 years, collapsed and became blocked in June, leaving irrigation communities without access to water during a period of severe drought at the height of summer. The loss of the well had significant consequences, including the destruction of avocado crops and major reductions in citrus and loquat harvests.

 

In response, La Nucía Town Council, in collaboration with the irrigation communities, fast-tracked the administrative process required to drill a new parallel well. The project has now officially entered its construction phase.

 

“Essential for irrigation” – Irrigation Community

“This new well drilling project in Rotes is essential for the irrigation of the four irrigation communities and also for the supply of drinking water,” said José Manuel Devesa, Secretary of the Irrigation Community.

“Without it, it is impossible to carry out the irrigation cycles normally. With the Rotes well breaking down, we have had a really bad summer; the avocado crops have been lost, and the citrus and loquat crops have been considerably reduced. We are in a critical situation. This new well drilling is fundamental, and we need it to be operational as soon as possible to provide water for irrigating the orchards of La Nucía.”

 

“A much-needed project” – Mayor of La Nucía

Mayor Bernabé Cano highlighted the importance of the works:
“This week we see the long-awaited prospecting work begin on the new Rotes well. This is crucial for agricultural irrigation in the various rural areas of La Nucía and for supplying drinking water to the town. Unfortunately, the old well collapsed last summer; attempts were made to repair it, but it proved impossible. It was then agreed to drill a new well parallel to the existing one, as the situation in La Nucía’s agricultural area was very difficult''.

 

“We estimate the work will take two months, so it will be operational by the beginning of next year, supplying water to both the Irrigation Community and local residents. The new borehole will reach a depth of 100 metres, completely vertical. Once completed, a cast-iron pipe and pump will be installed, allowing us to extract the much-needed water for agriculture and for human consumption.”