tech
April 24, 2026
Medellín wants to be a 'sponge city' with a mega underground tank and floodable parks to prevent tragedies from rain
Following the example of countries like Japan, Thailand, Spain, and Mexico, Medellín wants to become a 'sponge city' and has already begun to build a...
TL;DR
- Medellín is building the largest Sustainable Drainage System (SUDS) in Colombia, inspired by 'sponge city' concepts from countries like Japan and Mexico.
- The new system features a 1,200 cubic meter underground tank located under the Villa Niza football field, designed to capture and manage rainwater.
- This technology aims to reduce flood risk by temporarily storing water, releasing it slowly, and filtering it for reuse in irrigation and urban landscaping.
- The project is part of the 'Mi Río, Mis Quebradas' strategy, which also includes interventions on riverbeds and the construction of floodable parks.
- Medellín faces increased flood risks due to urban expansion covering natural absorption areas and more extreme weather events linked to climate change.
- The city plans to implement additional smaller underground tanks and floodable parks across various locations to enhance water management.
- The SUDS technology utilizes modular cells that function like stacked baskets, allowing for water filtration and controlled release.
- This initiative represents a long-term effort involving multiple city agencies and a significant investment to adapt to climate change impacts.