WATER

The true value of these semi-desert landscapes with impermeable *** is in the contrast provided by the elevated level of water resources. The high level of rainfall in this area, 400mm average annually, and the low level of agricultural activity results in natural springs of high quality water. In the case of Baños de Mula, there is tremendous potential in its hot springs which is currently underdeveloped, with only traditional offerings of Paradores and private housing available.

The 37ºSPA RESORT BAÑOS DE MULA project possesses the registered property of the hot springs, with an average temperature of 37ºC and a flow rate of 38.88 litres/second as well as a perimeter barrier granted by the Directorate General of Industry, Energy and Mines on April 17th, 2009. The aforementioned property is registered in Mula's Property Registry Office under the name NUEVOS BAÑOS DE MULA S.L.

The goal of this project is to promote the touristic development of los BAÑOS DE MULA through a proposal for the creation of a large touristic hotel - recreational - housing complex in the lands zoned as urban and non-urban in the MULA LAND USE PLAN.

The uniqueness of its urban and hydraulic architectural heritage, the archaeological and natural resources surrounding the area, as well as the current importance of health tourism are all aspects to consider in the promotion and development of this region. More and more people are choosing this type of health and beauty tourism as an alternative; moreover, combined with the touristic appeal of the Region of Murcia and the prime location of los Baños de Mula, the potential is enormous.

WATER FROM THE HOT SPRINGS

In an essay by the knowledgeable professor of medicine, D. Moneul Alarcón, the properties of these waters were analyzed and classified as "iron-rich, acidic, saline thermal waters, since they are hot and contain iron, free oxygen, sulfate and muriate of soda and magnesia". It also mentions that they can be used as drinking water: "Well water is that which is used for drinking, as well as other domestic uses; after settling it is clear and extremely pleasant and does not decompose".

He also provides a physical description, nearly poetic rather than scientific, perhaps letting himself get carried away by the enchantment this place has always conveyed: "Its color is extremely transparent, crystal clear, defined by the substances it contains, illuminating them no matter the depth where they are found. Its taste directly from the well is slightly metallic, harsh; when exposed to fresh air it becomes sweet, pleasing and enjoyable".

The data obtained from a physical-chemical analysis of the waters is provided as well as the transcription of the results of its classification carried out by D. Miguel Colomer Rodríguez, a specialist in Medical Hydrology.

Based upon these characteristics the water can be classified as follows:

• According to its ionic content of cations and anions expressed as a percentage of mEq/l., this water contains sulfates, bicarbonates, and calcium (mixed sulfates), containing more than 1 g./l. of total mineralization and more than 20% sulfate ions, bicarbonate and calcium mEq/l.


• According to the Spanish Food Code, with regards to its total mineralization, this water's mineralization level is considered strong, with a value greater than 1,500 mg/l of dry residual at 110º C; with regards to its emergency temperature, its considered mesothermal due to its temperature range of 30ºC to 50ºC.


• According to other classifications related to temperature, these waters are classified as acratotherms given their temperature greater than 20ºC and hypotherms given their temperature below that of the human body (37ºC).


• From the medical perspective, these waters can be considered mineral-medicinal, considering their physical-chemical characteristics, principally due to a mineralization greater than 1 gr/l and a temperature greater than 20ºC.


• According to Royal Decree 1.164/1991, of July 22, in relation to bottled waters, their mineralization level is strong, with a value greater than 1,500 mg/l of dry residual at 100º, and they contain sulfates with a concentration above 200 mg./l.


• The existence of nitrates, although in small concentrations and within the allowed limits, could indicate contamination of animal origins. In any event, it is undesirable.