Alarming Decline in Water Reserves
The water situation in Catalan reservoirs has suffered a significant decline in July this year, after a period of renewal thanks to significant spring rains. Recent data from the Catalan Water Agency (ACA) indicate that the average capacity of the nine reservoirs in the internal basins has fallen to 33.81%, equivalent to about 235.90 cubic hectometres of water, when their total capacity is approximately 694 hm³.
Impact of Weather Conditions
The beginning of summer had brought hope thanks to an increase of more than 37% in reservoir capacity, after months of water tensions. However, the return to levels as critical as those of the first days of March, when an alarming 14.33% was recorded, raises questions about the region’s water resilience. The recent rains in April and May had offered temporary relief, but the significant increase was short-lived.
Specific Reservoir Levels
Current figures reveal that Darnius Boadella is at 21.63%, while Sau and Susqueda, which lead in terms of capacity, have balances of 26.20% and 41% respectively. Despite the general decrease, these levels exceed last year’s data, when at the end of July the reservoirs were barely 27.5%.
Challenges for the Barcelona Metropolitan Area
The Ter-Llobregat system, vital for supplying more than 202 municipalities in the Barcelona metropolitan area, currently reaches 35.97% of its capacity, with 220 hm³ accumulated. This figure reflects a significant decrease compared to the more than 39% that was reached the previous month.
July: A Month Marked by Drought and Heat
The dry and hot July of this year has been the main cause of this new drop in water levels. Reports from the Meteorological Service of Catalonia (Meteocat) highlight that a large part of the territory has experienced drought conditions, especially in areas of the northern pre-coast, the central plateau and certain areas of Lleida. However, some sectors, such as the Abrera mountain range, had occasional rain.
Record temperatures
Despite brief rains, temperatures have been another challenge. With extreme heat recorded at the end of July, Catalonia has faced the hottest days in the last two decades, raising serious questions about the sustainability of water reserves in the near future.
Reflection on the Water Future of Catalonia
With drought continuing to be a recurring phenomenon and having detrimental effects on water supply, it is more necessary than ever to adopt effective water management measures. The Catalan community is facing a crucial dilemma: what steps will be taken to ensure long-term water stability? This situation will not only affect water availability, but will pose significant challenges for agriculture, industry and the daily lives of millions of citizens.