The exceptional drought situation
In recent months, we have experienced an exceptional drought situation that has led to the application of increasingly strict restrictions on the use of water. We have seen how the lakes of Palau Falguera and Parc Nadal have been emptying and how the landscape has changed due to the lack of rain. This situation makes us aware of the importance of water and its scarcity. It is a good time to reflect on the value of water and its relationship with our immediate environment.
The water mines of Sant Feliu
In this context, it is interesting to explore the hydraulic heritage of Sant Feliu, especially the water mines. A team made up of Jaume Campos, Josep Menargues and Oriol Valls from Sant Feliuen has spent the last three years studying and exploring these mines. Water mines are underground pipelines that captured water from underground in the mountains and distributed it to the places where it was needed. This hydraulic heritage, which for a long time was forgotten, is now more relevant than ever in times of drought.
A tour of the water mines
Jaume Campos, agricultural engineer and landscape architect, Josep Menargues, computer scientist, and Oriol Valls, environmentalist, have become experts in the knowledge and dissemination of Sant Feliu’s water mines. They have made a tour of the 14 water mines that have been detected so far in the municipality. Through informative talks and guided outings, they have made this hydraulic heritage known to the public. Water mines are an unknown element to many, but their importance and historical value are indisputable.
The value of water mines
The water mines of Sant Feliu have a heritage and historical value that must be preserved. In addition, in a context of climate change and drought, it is interesting to explore the possibilities of reusing these mines for uses such as watering parks and gardens. There are nearby examples, such as the Bon Salvador school in Sant Feliu, which still uses mine water to irrigate its farm. There are also other parks, such as Can Rigal in l’Hospitalet and Can Mercader in Cornellà , which use water from the mines to fill their lakes. Taking advantage of these water mines would be a way to preserve heritage and at the same time deal with climate emergencies.
Claiming hydraulic heritage
The Sant Feliu water mines team works to publicize this hydraulic heritage and claim its importance. Through dissemination and awareness, they want the public to become aware of the existence of these mines and their value. They also raise the possibility of studying these mines to determine if they could still be harnessed for current uses. Ultimately, the work of the Sant Feliu water mines team is a way of preserving local memory and heritage, and at the same time looking for sustainable solutions to face the challenges of the future.
If you want to know more about the water mines of Sant Feliu, you can join the project and become a member of premium.cat. With your collaboration, you will be able to contribute to the dissemination and preservation of this hydraulic heritage so important to the municipality.
