Catalonia's internal water basins begin the summer season at a robust 94% of their capacity, a significant increase compared to 70% at the same time last year. This marks a 24 percentage point rise, representing a 34% increase in reserves compared to the start of last summer.
The Agència Catalana de l'Aigua (ACA) reported these figures, showing current reserves at 638.7 hectometres cubed. This is considerably higher than the 517 hectometres cubed recorded a year ago. The Ter-Llobregat system, which supplies Barcelona and its metropolitan area, along with Girona and its surroundings, stands at 95.2% capacity.
Last year, the Ter-Llobregat system was at 82.7% capacity at this time. The current levels represent a 12.5 percentage point increase, meaning 15.1% more reserves than at the start of last summer. This ensures greater water security for millions of people in these key urban areas.
Reservoir Levels Across Catalonia
Several individual reservoirs show high levels. Darnius Boadella is at 88.9% capacity, up from 73.50% last year. Sau reservoir reached 91.5%, compared to 64.7% a year ago. Susqueda is nearly full at 97.4%, an increase from 89.1% in the previous year.
La Baells stands at 94.1%, slightly down from 97.1% last year, while La Llosa del Cavall is at 99%, a substantial rise from 78.7%. Sant Ponç holds 94.3% capacity, a slight increase from 91% last year. Foix is at 73.3%, down from 94.1% in the previous year.
Siurana reservoir shows a dramatic improvement at 77.2%, significantly higher than 26% last year. Riudecanyes also saw a strong recovery, reaching 93.1% compared to 61.1% a year ago. These figures highlight a generally positive trend across the region's water storage.
Sustained Spring Recovery
The current figures for Catalonia's internal water basins are slightly lower than at the start of June. On 1 June, the internal basins were at 94.9% capacity, holding 643.9 hectometres cubed. The Ter-Llobregat system was at 95.7%, with 568.9 hectometres cubed.
Water reserves have remained strong throughout the spring months. On 1 March, internal basins were at 93.1% capacity, with 631.821 hectometres cubed. The Ter-Llobregat reservoirs held 94.1%, or 559.1 hectometres cubed, at that time.
The ACA data shows a consistent increase in internal basin reserves since the start of the year. On 1 January, they stood at 84.5% capacity, holding 573.3 hectometres cubed. The Ter-Llobregat system was at 86.4%, with 513.5 hectometres cubed.
Outlook for Water Security
These sustained high water levels provide a strong foundation for Catalonia's water supply through the summer. The significant recovery over the past year helps mitigate concerns about potential drought conditions. Authorities will continue to monitor reservoir levels closely to ensure responsible water management for all residents.
Sign up for our new entrepreneurs community Bizcelona, now accepting our second wave of applicants.
Originally published by Europa Press Barcelona. Read original article.
