Aqualia named among the five best water companies in the world
Aqualia has been selected as a finalist in two categories of the Global Water Awards 2026 — the most prestigious recognition in the international water sector — cementing its position as a global benchmark for sustainable water cycle management.
The two nominations
Specialist platform Global Water Intelligence (GWI) has shortlisted Aqualia in the following categories of what the industry calls the "Oscars of Water":
Water Company of the Year
Recognizes the company with the most significant contribution to the international water sector during 2025, evaluating strategic growth, innovation, and operational excellence.
Reuse Project of the Year
Awards exemplary water reuse projects. Aqualia competes with the European NICE Project, funded under the EU's Horizon 2020 research programme.
The double nomination reflects Aqualia's role as a benchmark in sustainable water management and its commitment to technological innovation and operational excellence, at both national and international levels.
A year of landmark achievements
The Water Company of the Year nomination recognizes a year defined by milestones of strategic and financial significance:
Entry into Japan — a strategic advance into one of the world's most demanding and technologically sophisticated markets.
Consolidation in France across the Paris and Brittany regions, reinforcing its foothold in the European market.
Award of the Chincha WWTP contract in Peru, adding to its growing Latin American portfolio.
Strengthened presence in Georgia and Saudi Arabia, delivering advanced solutions tailored to high water-stress environments.
Renewal of key contracts in Ibiza, Vigo, Salamanca, and Jaén, ensuring service continuity across key cities.
Two bonds totalling €500M + €750M, completing a landmark €1.25 billion refinancing that reinforced market confidence.
The NICE Project: nature-based solutions
The second nomination recognizes the European NICE Project (Horizon 2020), which demonstrates how natural systems can transform urban water management — reusing grey water and mitigating storm events through constructed wetlands, green walls, and hybrid systems.
| Location | Technology | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Algeciras (Cádiz) | 150 m² vertical wetland | Prevents sewer overflows; reuses 5 m³/day of grey water in summer |
| Benalmádena (Málaga) | 31 m² green wall | Produces up to 1,000 m³/year of reused water, reducing potable demand |
| Madrid (HQ) | 120 m² wetland | Recovers 1,000 m³/year for irrigation and cleaning; reduces water footprint |
| Talavera de la Reina | Modular platform | Hybrid wastewater treatment and reuse system |
Nature-based solutions are not just ecological choices — they represent the next frontier of resilient urban water engineering.
A track record at the Global Water Awards
This double nomination is no isolated achievement. Aqualia has built an exceptional history at these awards:
Distinction Award (2nd place) in Water Company of the Year. Triple recognition including finalist in Net Zero Carbon Champion.
Outright winner of Water Company of the Year — recognized as the best water management company in the world.
The Mar de Alborán desalination plant selected among the four best water infrastructure projects in the world.
Double nomination in Water Company of the Year and Reuse Project of the Year. Ceremony May 19, Madrid.
Key Takeaways
- Aqualia is a finalist in two categories at the Global Water Awards 2026, the sector's most prestigious recognition.
- The Water Company of the Year nomination reflects global expansion into Japan, France, Peru, Georgia, and Saudi Arabia.
- The NICE Project pilots across Spain demonstrate measurable results: up to 1,000 m³/year reused at individual sites.
- Aqualia's €1.25 billion refinancing in 2025 signalled strong investor confidence in its long-term business model.
- The ceremony takes place May 19, 2026, at the Global Water Summit in Madrid.
Global Water Summit 2026
The awards ceremony takes place on May 19 in Madrid, the world's premier gathering for water industry leaders.
Learn more →Source: iAgua.es · Global Water Intelligence (GWI) · Aqualia
