Significant improvements in Catalonia’s reservoirs
The last few weeks of rain have caused a notable increase in water reserves in Catalonia, with a total approaching 235 cubic hectometres (hm³). This figure represents an increase of 15 hm³ compared to the same date the previous year, when reserves were 131.2 hm³.
A winter with more positive perspectives
Even if the water situation is not ideal, the current situation is noticeably better than a year ago. With an increase of more than 100 hm³ in just 365 days, Catalonia faces the winter with a wider water cushion, although the memory of last summer’s reserves is still present.
Highlights of the internal basins
One of the reservoirs that has experienced a notable increase is the Baells reservoir, which has reached almost 65 hm³, which represents 59% of its total capacity, an amount that has not been recorded since the beginning of 2022. Likewise, the Cardener reservoirs have improved, with the Llosa del Cavall reaching 34%, its best figure since July 2022.
Improvements in small reservoirs
The recent rain has also benefited small reservoirs such as Siurana and Riudecanyes, which, despite being far from full capacity, have managed to accumulate close to 1 hm³ each, a significant improvement considering their previous situation.
Future perspectives on water reserves
Although the daily increases in reserves have decreased over the days, the rivers continue to bring more water from the reservoirs than they leave. The medium-term forecast does not show any major episodes of rain, except for some possible precipitation this Wednesday.
Path to a more balanced situation
Currently, approximately 8 hm³ are missing for the reservoir reserves of the internal basins to reach 35%. With any luck, this milestone may be achievable next week. Although the current situation is better than a few months ago, when reserves were below 100 hm³, there is still a long way to go before normalcy is reached.
